The Sparks and the Valkyries: Opposite Paths in the WNBA
The Californian WNBA teams, Los Angeles Sparks and Golden State Valkyries, seem to be on diametrically opposed paths. While the Sparks, with an 11-14 record, hold the longest winning streak in the league with five consecutive games won, the Valkyries (11-13) have suffered six losses in their last eight games.
The situation of both teams is contrasting, especially with the return of a key player for the Sparks and the absence of an important figure for the Valkyries.
Cameron Brink, the second pick of the 2024 draft, is ready to return to action this Tuesday against the Aces. The former Stanford star, who missed a large part of her rookie season due to an ACL injury, will seek to regain the rhythm that led her to average 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks before the injury.
The return of Brink comes at an opportune moment, considering the good performance of the Sparks. Players like Kelsey Plum, Dearica Hamby, Azura Stevens, and Rickea Jackson are averaging double figures in scoring, while Julie Allemand has consolidated her position as starting point guard, with two games of 10 assists in the last two weeks.
On the other hand, the Valkyries have suffered the loss of Kayla Thornton, their top scorer and rebounder, who will miss the rest of the season due to knee surgery. Thornton was the franchise’s first All-Star.
Despite this, there’s good news for Golden State: French center Iliana Rupert joined the team last week, after missing the first half of the season due to overseas commitments.
The sudden changes in the teams’ performance have been a constant this season. However, for now, the Sparks seem to have more chances of qualifying for the playoffs than the Valkyries, something that didn’t happen a month ago.
WNBA Ranking
Here’s the updated WNBA ranking, highlighting the teams and their upcoming matches:
Minnesota Lynx (22-5)
The Lynx’s defense was surpassed in Sunday’s loss against Atlanta. The next game will be against New York on July 30.
New York Liberty (17-8)
The Liberty await Breanna Stewart’s recovery. Their next game will be against Minnesota on July 30.
Atlanta Dream (15-10)
Atlanta rose in the rankings thanks to its victories. Rhyne Howard’s return is expected. The next games will be against Golden State and Dallas.
Phoenix Mercury (16-9)
Phoenix lost two out of three games last week. The next game will be against Indiana on July 30.
Indiana Fever (14-12)
Kelsey Mitchell has led the team in scoring. The next game will be against Phoenix on July 30.
Seattle Storm (16-11)
Skylar Diggins had another triple-double. The biggest problem for the team is inconsistency. The next game will be against Los Angeles on August 1st.
Los Angeles Sparks (11-14)
The Sparks are on a five-game winning streak. The next game will be against Las Vegas on July 29.Rickea Jackson (left) is one of four Sparks players averaging double figures in scoring, with Cameron Brink (right) set to return with more offensive power.
Las Vegas Aces (13-13)
Las Vegas had a .500 week. The next game will be against Los Angeles on July 29.
Washington Mystics (12-13)
The Mystics have lost three of their last four games. The next game is against Chicago on July 29.
Golden State Valkyries (11-13)
The Valkyries need to find their identity without Thornton. The next match is against Atlanta on July 29.
Dallas Wings (8-19)
The Wings defeated Seattle and New York. The next game is against Atlanta on July 30.
Chicago Sky (7-18)
Chicago has lost five games in a row. Angel Reese is out with an injury. The next game is against Washington on July 29.
Connecticut Sun (4-21)
Connecticut welcomed Marina Mabrey. The next game is against New York on August 1st.
