Jul 15, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Washington Mystics ahead Aaliyah Edwards (24) drives previous Los Angeles Sparks ahead Azura Stevens (23) throughout the second half at Crypto.com Enviornment. Necessary Credit score: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Photos The Los Angeles Sparks discovered the proper of rhythm previous to the quick WNBA All-Star break, and they are going to be trying to keep that after they go to the Washington Mystics on Tuesday.
It will likely be a rematch of the newest recreation for every workforce. The Sparks blew out visiting Washington 99-80 final Tuesday within the last recreation for the groups earlier than the hiatus. Three Los Angeles gamers reached the 20-point mark within the recreation, led by Dearica Hamby’s 26.
“I believe we’re beginning to determine it out, and being wholesome helps,” Sparks coach Lynne Roberts stated.
Mystics coach Sydney Johnson stated he noticed room for enchancment from his membership.
“They uncovered a bit little bit of our weaknesses,” Johnson stated. “There are some issues I may also help our gamers with to assist us play higher.”
Defensive breakdowns within the first assembly will have to be addressed, Johnson stated. The Mystics (11-11) will intention to get again on observe after their three-game successful streak was snapped in Los Angeles.
“They’re an incredible frontcourt, versatile,” stated forward-center Shakira Austin, who led Washington with 16 factors in opposition to the Sparks. “They had been a bit extra bodily. We have now to cease being the much less bodily workforce.”
The Sparks (8-14) are bracing for a unique method from the Mystics.
“They will come at us in a different way,” stated Kelsey Plum, who leads the Sparks in scoring with 20.1 factors per recreation. “We all know that, so simply be ready for that.”
The Sparks are nonetheless adjusting below Roberts. She is in her first season on the Los Angeles bench after being employed to interchange the fired Curt Miller.
“It is simply time collectively and within the system and it takes a minute,” Roberts stated. “We simply received to maintain our foot on the fuel as a bunch.”
A key contributor for Los Angeles has been Julie Allemand, who dished out 10 assists final week in opposition to Washington. The Sparks had been plus-22 with Allemand on the courtroom, though she scored solely three factors in 32 minutes.
“That is arduous to do,” Roberts stated of the plus-minus ratio. “Her worth can’t be unspoken.”
Brittney Sykes is Washington’s prime scorer at 17.1 factors per recreation, and she or he was added as an harm alternative for the All-Star Recreation. Rookie teammates Sonia Citron and Kiki Iriafen additionally represented the Mystics on the All-Star Recreation.
“They’re checking a variety of containers,” Johnson stated of his workforce. “They’re working. They’re getting higher. There’s humility.”
Mystics guard Sug Sutton stated the primary half of the season was a stretch of attending to know one another.
“We nonetheless have one other 22 video games,” Sutton stated. “I believe we have been doing good, holding one another accountable.”
–Discipline Degree Media
