The Sparks took advantage of a Stewart-less Seattle Storm defeating them 81-53 on Sunday to keep their playoff push afloat.

Defeating the Storm has surprisingly still kept the Sparks in playoff contention. They currently sit last in the Western Conference and 9th in the playoffs. They are tied with the New York Liberty with an 11-19 record, both teams just right on the tail of the 8th seeded Washington Mystics.

The Sparks can still make the playoffs if they can keep their offensive rhythm intact for the last two games of the season. Their offense revolves around Nneka Ogwumike, but three players have proven to be important factors, as well, for Sparks’ success.

Keeping Erica Wheeler Hot

Erica Wheeler had a breakthrough game on Sunday with 17 points, four assists, and two rebounds. Six of her points coming from the three-point line, a place where the Sparks have previously struggled at. Wheeler has the potential to be that second ignition of offense for the Sparks.

The Sparks veteran kept the offense moving against the Storm and came out with purpose, pushing the ball down the court, creating space for her teammates while getting buckets of her own. It was clear that LA was in total control of the game when Wheeler was on the floor.

Her ability to be another shot maker while simultaneously creating shots for her teammates needs to be at the forefront to keep the Sparks playoff contention alive.

Giving Nia Coffey More Playing Time

Another player who is key to Los Angeles making the playoffs is Nia Coffey. She started for the Sparks against the Storm and finished with nine points, three assists, two rebounds, and two clutch blocks in just 27 minutes. The 6’1 forward’s value is not represented on the stat sheet but rather how her presence affects the offensive vibe.

Throughout the game, she stayed consistent, being a central contributor to the best start the Sparks have had in a while. Coffey was part of the reason they had one of their best starts in the last seven games, helping the Sparks go on an uncharacteristic 12-1 run.

Coffey also proved that she can dish it on both sides of the court blocking Katie Lou Samuelson on one end, and then scoring on the other. She did not show fear in shooting, making a wide-open three when the opportunity presented itself. Coffey in the starting line-up changed the momentum, and there is value in keeping her in games, especially during crunch time.

Maintain Brittney Sykes Aggressive on Defense

They say that defense wins games, and although it is a cliche, Brittney Sykes is the best example of cliches being true. Her aggressiveness on defense allowed for an easier offensive game for the Sparks.

LA as a team outrebounded the Storm 18-5 in that first quarter and continued to do so until the end of the game, 37-28. Ten of those were Sykes alone. She was also one of the four Sparks that finished with double digits with 15 on six-of-11 from the field. 

If there was a player who was all over the floor for Sunday’s match-up, it was Sykes. 

And the Sparks benefitted from that, not only did they win but Sykes also involved Te’a Cooper (19 points, two rebounds, two assists) as they became a one-two punch against Seattle. 

“We went into the game, obviously, pushing for playoffs, and just winning Staples again and on top of that just to show that we were the better guards that night,” Sykes said postgame on their combined effort against the Storm. 

The Sparks’ last two games will be against the Atlanta Dream on Wednesday, September 16th, and the Dallas Wings on Sunday, September 19th. They will battle it out with the New York Liberty and the Washington Mystics for that 8th seed. 

Their season is now resting on whether or not they can keep their offensive rhythm consistent.