For Sparks fans, the team’s mid-season surge couldn’t have come at a better time. Winning eight of their last nine games, the Sparks have pushed into the playoff picture. Dearica Hamby, Kelsey Plum, Rickea Jackson, Azura Stevens, and Julie Allemand are fuelling one of the best offenses in the league, and Cameron Brink is helping the team turn things around defensively. The Sparks couldn’t be set up any better for a run at one of the final playoff spots.
For the Valkyries, this Sparks surge couldn’t have come at a worse time. Golden State wants to make the playoffs. Everyone knows that by now. But things haven’t gone the Valkyries’ way recently. All-Star Kayla Thornton went down with a season-ending injury, veteran big Monique Billings is out as well, and Cecilia Zandalasini and Tiffany Hayes also missed some time with injuries.
While the Mystics’ decision to bow out of the playoff race makes things easier for the Valkyries, the Sparks could undo all of that and overtake the Valkyries in the standings. The Sparks are playing their best basketball yet. Meanwhile, the Valkyries are struggling to overcome injuries.
The Sparks and Valkyries have a big game coming up
The Valkyries had a chance to secure the tiebreaker over the Las Vegas Aces, but lost two consecutive games. As of now, they still have the final playoff spot secured but that could change quickly. The Sparks and Valkyries have identical records.
Their next game on Friday night will decide the season series between the Sparks and Valkyries. The Sparks won the first meeting—the Valkyries’ first-ever home game—but Golden State took the other two games. A win could help the Valkyries secure an advantage in the playoff race.
However, considering all the Valkyries’ injuries and the Sparks’ recent surge, beating Los Angeles will be a tall task. Kayla Thornton played a big role in both of the Valkyries’ wins over the Sparks, but she wasn’t the only one to play well. French rookies Carla Leite and Janelle Salaün had big games against the Sparks in both wins.
The Valkyries will need both to step up again, as well as big performances from Cecilia Zandalasini, Tiffany Hayes, and Iliana Rupert. The latter, especially, should help the Valkyries contend with the Sparks’ size in the post.
Golden State will also have to bring the stifling defense that has made them such a dangerous team to face. The Valkyries held the Sparks to less than 40 percent shooting from the field in both wins.