The Sparks had just one game this week, but what a match it was.
They were utterly dominated by Paige Bueckers, who scored a new WNBA rookie high of 44 points. However, the incredible performance by Bueckers came in a loss as Kelsey Plum hit the game-winner, giving the Sparks the 81-80 victory.
With no other games on the schedule, the Sparks were able to get a rare moment of rest, having five days off between games.
So, let’s grade this week’s performances. As always, grades are based on expectations
for each player. A “B” grade represents the average performance for that player.
Kelsey Plum
33.4 minutes, 20 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, 9-23 FG, 1-9 3PT, 1-3 FT, +5
Giving Plum a grade this week is tough. On the one hand, she shot poorly overall, was an awful 1-9 from 3-point range and Bueckers exploited her on defense every chance she could.
But Plum also had the game-winner, and that’s all that matters.
It’s not just that she won the game, but how she did it that was impressive. Plum slowly walked the ball down, set the play up and took the 11-foot bank shot, scoring it and leaving no time on the clock.
Plays like these are why the Sparks traded for her and she delivered. Plum did what stars are supposed to do and that’s win you games you should’ve lost.
Grade: B
Dearica Hamby
30.1 minutes, 13 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 6-13 FG, 1-2 FT, –15
Hamby was solid in the Sparks’ lone win. She gave a respectable performance, doing well taking care of rebounds and finishing near the rim.
She wasn’t the main reason they won or lost, but played up to her level.
Grade: B-
Azurá Stevens
25.4 minutes, 5 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2-6 FG, 1-2 3PT, +1
Stevens’ production has begun to plummet over the last couple of weeks. She isn’t getting as many looks at the basket and when she does, they aren’t going in.
At least Stevens is finding other ways to be productive by rebounding and distributing the ball well.
Grade: C
Rickea Jackson
32.9 minutes, 25 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, 9-15 FG, 6-7 3PT, 1-1 FT, -10
Jackson was spectacular shooting the ball against the Wings. She went 6-7 from deep and had a team-high 25 points.
Her 3-ball has been something she’s been working very hard at this season, and the fruits of her labor were showcased in this victory.
When you factor in her defensive effort and rebounding, Jackson continues to show why she is one of the cornerstones of this franchise and should be a Spark for years to come.
Grade: A+
Julie Allemand
36.6 minutes, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 0-1 FG, 0-1 3PT, -5
The Sparks are a better team when Allemand has the ball in her hands.
She runs the offense well, and Allemand can virtually guarantee a good look at the basket. Her biggest flaw is her lack of aggression when it comes to calling her own number. Allemand shouldn’t be playing a game-high 36 minutes and taking only one shot.
She has to see that, sometimes, she’s the best option. Teams will begin sagging off of her even more and start looking at her as just a distributor if she doesn’t show a willingness to take the shots that are available to her.
Grade: B+
Rae Burrell
18.9 minutes, 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block, 1-5 FG, 0-3 3PT, +13
Burrell has been the best bench player for the Sparks all year long. In this game, she was a bigger factor defensively.
She took on the Bueckers assignment more and more as the game progressed and while Paige still dominated, she made her work for what she got.
Offensively, Burrell struggled and needs to give this team more if she’s playing 18-plus minutes.
Grade: C
Cameron Brink
18.8 minutes, 11 points, 8 rebounds, 5-9 FG, 1-3 3PT, +14
This game was the most Brink has played all season, and for good reason. She was one of the few defensive positives on the team, was scoring well and stayed out of foul trouble.
Brink had the best plus-minus on the team at +14, which is surprising when you consider she played over 18 minutes in a one-point game. If Brink keeps this up, her minutes will only increase and head coach Lynne Roberts might even have to figure out how to start the two-year big.
Grade: A-
Julie Vanloo
Vanloo was the only other Sparks player who played in this game. She played just four minutes so Vanloo will not be getting a grade.
Lynne Roberts
Roberts took a bit too long to switch things up against Bueckers. It was obvious from the jump that none of the guards could defend her. Burrell should’ve been subbed in early to try and slow her down.
In Roberts’ defense, it likely wouldn’t have mattered much since Burrell didn’t exactly put the clamps on Bueckers, but allowing her to drop 44 when Roberts mentioned stopping her pregame was rough.
Late in the game, Roberts did well managing the situation. She kept Brink out for longer in the fourth instead of subbing her out and didn’t call for a timeout, letting Plum take charge and win the game.
Basketball is a results-based business, and Roberts’ actions helped earn the win. This late in the year and just a game back from a playoff spot, nothing else matters.
Grade: B-
You can follow Edwin on Twitter at @ECreates88 or on Bluesky at @ecreates88.bsky.social.
