The Sparks and the Valkyries: Heading to Opposite Destinations in the WNBA
The Californian WNBA teams, the Los Angeles Sparks and the Golden State Valkyries, appear to be on diverging trajectories. While the Sparks are exhibiting a winning streak, the Valkyries are facing significant challenges.
The Sparks, with an 11-14 record, lead the league with an active five-game winning streak, which has allowed them to climb the rankings. On the other hand, the Valkyries (11-13) have suffered six losses in their last eight games of the month.
The Sparks’ situation is strengthened by the return of a key player, while the Valkyries lament a significant loss.
Cameron Brink, selected at number 2 in the 2024 draft, returns to action on Tuesday against the Aces. The former Stanford star, limited to 15 games in her rookie season due to an ACL injury in June 2024, averaged 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks before the injury. Her return is even more timely considering the Sparks’ good form.
Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Azura Stevens, and Rickea Jackson are averaging double-digit scoring figures, and Julie Allemand has established herself as the starting point guard, standing out with two games of 10 assists in the last two weeks.
In contrast, the Valkyries have lost their top scorer and rebounder, Kayla Thornton, for the rest of the season due to knee surgery. Thornton was the franchise’s first All-Star.
There is positive news for Golden State: French center Iliana Rupert joined the team last week after missing the first half of the season due to commitments abroad.
The Sparks seem more prepared for the playoffs compared to the Valkyries, a notable change from the previous month.
WNBA Standings
Here is the updated WNBA ranking:
Minnesota Lynx (22-5)
The Lynx, after defeating Chicago and Las Vegas, suffered a defeat against Atlanta. Their next game is against New York.
New York Liberty (17-8)
The Liberty have had an irregular performance after Jonquel Jones’ return and Breanna Stewart’s absence. They are awaiting Emma Meesseman’s incorporation and preparing to face Minnesota.
Atlanta Dream (15-10)
Atlanta rose in the rankings thanks to key victories. They await the return of Rhyne Howard.
Phoenix Mercury (16-9)
Phoenix lost two of three games despite the return of important players.
Indiana Fever (14-12)
With Caitlin Clark out, Kelsey Mitchell has led the team in scoring.
Seattle Storm (16-11)
Seattle has shown inconsistency in its performance.
Los Angeles Sparks (11-14)
The Sparks, with a five-game winning streak, secured an important victory against New York.Rickea Jackson (izquierda) es una de las cuatro jugadoras de las Sparks que promedian dobles figuras en anotación, con Cameron Brink (derecha) lista para regresar con más poder ofensivo.
Las Vegas Aces (13-13)
Las Vegas, with a .500 record, had a similar week. Jewell Loyd came off the bench to score 20 points.
Washington Mystics (12-13)
The Mystics have lost several recent games. Rookies Kiki Iriafen and Sonia Citron are expected to show the impact of fatigue in the second half of the season.
Golden State Valkyries (11-13)
The Valkyries suffered a defeat against Connecticut after Kayla Thornton’s absence.
Dallas Wings (8-19)
The Wings got wins against Seattle and New York. Arike Ogunbowale has performed well.
Chicago Sky (7-18)
Chicago has extended its losing streak to five games. Angel Reese is out with an injury, and the team is facing more absences.
Connecticut Sun (4-21)
The Sun welcomed Marina Mabrey back, but remain at the bottom of the standings.
