An 89-74 loss is not exactly ideal, but it wasn't all bad news for the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday night. Cameron Brink made her season debut after previously suffering an injury during her rookie season in 2024. The Las Vegas Aces still defeated the Sparks, but there was excitement around the 2024 No. 2 overall pick's return.
So, how did the 23-year-old play?
Brink, in her return, was limited to just over 13 minutes played. She scored five points on 1-3 shooting from the field and 1-3 shooting from deep. Her reliance on the long-ball was surprising, but one has to imagine she will increase her aggressiveness in the paint as she develops comfort once again on the floor. Brink also made two free throws.
She finished the game with a positive plus-minus of plus-7. She was one of only three Sparks to have a positive plus-minus on Tuesday night. Brink contributed in multiple ways during her limited minutes, recording three rebounds, one assist, one steal and one blocked shot. She only had one turnover as well.
Kelsey Plum led Los Angeles with 22 points and eight assists. It was the first time Brink and Plum played together, as Kelsey was acquired from the Aces in a trade during the offseason. It will require some time for them to develop chemistry together as a pick-and-roll duo, but there is potential for them to find success.
Dearica Hamby added 15 points. Hamby and Brink are more familiar with one another's games since Dearica played in LA last season. Still, Cameron was limited to just 15 games played during the 2024 campaign, so they also may need some time to find their chemistry once again.
Nevertheless, it was a strong season debut for Cameron Brink. As long as she makes the adjustment and displays a willingness to attack the basket on a consistent basis, Brink could end up having a strong reminder of the year. Of course, Los Angeles will likely continue to limit her minutes as she adjusts to playing in game-action once again.
Brink and the Sparks will play their next contest on Friday night in Seattle against the Storm. LA will then return home for two games against the Indiana Fever and Connecticut Sun. Friday night's matchup will be played at 10 PM EST in Seattle as the Sparks hope to jump back into the win column.