What is the story about?
What's Happening?
The Los Angeles Sparks faced a significant setback in their playoff aspirations following a 104-85 defeat to the Atlanta Dream. Rhyne Howard was instrumental in the Dream's victory, scoring 37 points and tying the WNBA record for most three-pointers in a game with nine. This achievement marks the second time Howard has reached this milestone in the current season. The Dream's performance was bolstered by Maya Caldwell, who contributed 19 points, and Brionna Jones, who added 12 points. The Sparks, led by Dearica Hamby's 26 points, struggled to keep pace with Atlanta's three-point shooting prowess, as the Dream connected on 19 of 39 attempts from beyond the arc.
Why It's Important?
This loss places the Sparks in a precarious position regarding their playoff hopes, as they are now 2.5 games behind the Indiana Fever and Seattle Storm, who occupy the final playoff spots. The Dream's victory not only secured them a home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs but also highlighted the team's offensive capabilities, particularly from long range. The Sparks' inability to match Atlanta's three-point shooting efficiency underscores a critical area for improvement if they are to remain competitive in the playoff race.
What's Next?
The Sparks will return home to face the Dallas Wings, a game that could be pivotal in their quest to secure a playoff berth. Meanwhile, the Dream will look to maintain their momentum as they prepare for the postseason, with their recent performance serving as a confidence booster. The outcome of the Sparks' upcoming games will be crucial in determining their playoff fate, as they need to close the gap with the teams ahead of them in the standings.
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