Los Angeles Sparks humiliate Dream in total team victory
The LA Sparks are now one game back for the best record in the WNBA after their dominating victory over the Atlanta Dream.
This Sparks team can earn the number one seed in the WNBA playoffs. All they have to do is win their last game, while the Minnesota Lynx lose their last game.
Both teams would have identical records, however the Sparks hold the tiebreaker over the Lynx giving them the first seed. This would be different for the Sparks.
Last year they were the second seed and won the WNBA Finals. Once again they have a chance at being the one seed. If they can earn the one seed they will have home court advantage throughout the playoffs. This should help them tremendously.
Another thing that will help the Sparks in advancing in the playoffs whether they have home court advantage or not is playing as a team.
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In their victory over the Atlanta dream they played as an united unit as multiple players were in double figures on the scoring board. Los Angeles attempted one more shot than their opponents, however they made more field goals than their counterparts. LA went 31-60 for 51.7% from the field while Atlanta went 17-59 for 28.8% from the field.
In order for the team to score they have to be passed the ball. Los Angeles had plenty of assists from everyone at 21, to their opponents 6. This explains a little of why LA dominated the Dream. They passed the ball and were selfless.
Selflessness is good for the team and helps make others better. The Sparks crashed the glass 36 times to 28 for the opponent and all Sparks who played grabbed at least one rebound. These statistics in the box score just prove how well the team plays together and how dangerous they will become in the playoffs.
Playing as one unit is what will help the Sparks repeat as WNBA champions. Also, the bench sustaining the pace of the game will help.
Head Coach Brian Agler as of the midpoint last season learned if he wants to win he needs to trust his bench. This game he trusted his bench as about everyone played. Riquana Williams was the only Spark not to play in the game.
By the Sparks having a consistent bench with their starters the game flow is consistent all around. Additionally, chemistry is in the air with all the team.
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Brian Agler and the Sparks have aspirations of taking the one seed in the playoffs, but for now they must focus on their next game against the Connecticut Sun.