Cameron Brink’s Double-Double Powers LA Sparks to Critical Win Over Dallas Wings

The Los Angeles Sparks’ offense came alive on Friday night, leading them to their third win of the season with an 81-72 victory over the Dallas Wings. This win improves the Sparks’ record to 1-3 in Commissioner’s Cup games.

Dearica Hamby was the standout performer, scoring 22 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out four assists. This marked her eighth double-double in the first ten games of the season. Lexie Brown added 16 points and six assists off the bench, surpassing the milestone of 900 career points. Cameron Brink also had a notable performance with 10 points, 10 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Rickea Jackson overcame a slow start to finish with eight points.

The Sparks’ bench contributed significantly, scoring 34 points. Li Yueru, Aari McDonald, and Layshia Clarendon each added seven points, with McDonald also recording six assists.

The game began with the Sparks trailing by seven points, missing several good scoring opportunities. Brink initiated the scoring for LA with a layup, helping to close the gap. Brown’s quick eight points were crucial in building the Sparks’ momentum, and they eventually took a two-point lead with a 21-10 run. However, the Wings reduced the deficit to three points by the end of the first quarter.

In the second quarter, the Wings started strong with an 8-2 run, reclaiming the lead. Despite LA briefly regaining a one-point lead with a layup by Clarendon, turnovers plagued both teams. The Wings capitalized on a late surge to take an eight-point lead, and the Sparks trailed by six at halftime.

Arike Ogunbowale scored early in the second half to extend the Wings’ momentum, but the Sparks responded, reducing the deficit to two points. Hamby’s free throws kept LA within striking distance. Dallas’ bench scored its first points of the night late in the third quarter, while Jackson’s improved performance helped the Sparks tie the game. By the end of the third quarter, the Sparks were down by two.

Jackson tied the game at the start of the fourth quarter, leading to a back-and-forth battle. Brown’s three-pointer gave LA a one-point lead, sparking an 11-2 run that extended their lead to seven points. The Wings struggled offensively, allowing the Sparks to maintain their lead.

A late layup by Ogunbowale cut the deficit to three, but Brink answered with a layup to extend LA’s lead to five. Brown’s midrange shot and McDonald’s free throws in the final moments secured the Sparks’ victory.

The LA Sparks’ next game will be crucial as they aim to build on this momentum and improve their standing in the Commissioner’s Cup.