The good news is that the L.A. Sparks are no longer in last place. The bad news is they still may not be good enough for post season play.
The 7-16Los Angeles Sparksare hanging on for dear life with theSan Antonio Stars(7-17) for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference.
The Sparks recently were living the life of a major turnaround enjoying their first 4-game win streak since 2013. But after blowing a 13-point halftime lead and despite a near triple-double fromCandace Parker(12 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists) vs. the Seattle Storm, the Sparks are now on a 2-game losing streak.
.@crystalanghorne(18 pts) and@seattlestormdefeat@LA_Sparks85-77.@Candace_Parkerhad 12-10-9 for LA.pic.twitter.com/UgGAJiOfgM
— WNBA (@WNBA)August 12, 2015
Further complicating matters is yet another injury toAlana Beard, whom hurt her quadriceps vs. Minnesota last Sunday. The 4-time all-star logged only 8 minutes in the game before having to be pulled. Beard’s last 3 games have spoken a large volume of contribution to the Sparks recent success climbing out of the Western Conference cellar.
The Sparks have climbed to 6th in the WNBA in points allowed and are first in the league in assists per game. Beard’s presence in the lineup was slowly reviving a near league worst 72.8 points per game for the Sparks, 10th in the league.
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Before injury, the guard/forward was averaging 11.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.3 steals in her three games since returning.
In reference to her injury history, the 33-year-old veteran Beard said, “Unfortunately, I’ve been in this position a lot. But at the same time, I keep coming back. I keep working through it.”
The Storm sweeping the season series vs. the Sparks could potentially be detrimental should the final playoff seed come down to a tie-breaker scenario.
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With 11 games remaining in the season the Sparks will need another run to stay ahead of the pack of Seattle and San Antonio.
Potentially catching theTulsa Shock, who the Sparks play twice over the next month, will further boost playoff chances for Los Angeles. The last meeting between Los Angeles and Tulsa resulted in a 27-point blowout win for the Sparks.
Now 4-2 since the return of Candace Parker, she solely cannot be enough to carry the Sparks into the postseason. Los Angeles will need Alana Beard’s contributions on the court.
@Candace_Parkersays defense is key to opening up offense and winning games.#WeAreLApic.twitter.com/dEKqEe5807
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks)August 7, 2015
A fully healthy Beard as well asNneka OgwumikeandKristi Toliverwill be necessary for the Sparks to continue what appeared to be an improbable playoff run.
Thus far this season, onlyJantel Lavenderhas been healthy to play every game for Los Angeles. Therefore, head coachBrian Aglerperhaps will monitor minutes for a few of his players who have been battling injuries to keep them fresh down the final stretch of the season.
And, that run will include trips through the likes of the Phoenix Mercury, Indiana Fever, and Chicago Sky on the upcoming schedule for the Los Angeles Sparks. The momentum is building for the Sparks, it just has to stay consistent.
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