Rae Burrell scored 20 points as the Los Angeles Sparks snapped a six-game losing streak with a 77-68 win over the Connecticut Sun on Saturday night.
The Los Angeles Sparks ended a six-game losing streak with a 77-68 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Crypto.com Arena. Rae Burrell led all scorers with 20 points, while Nneka Ogwumike grabbed 11 rebounds and Erica Wheeler dished out five assists to pace the Sparks. For the Sun, Saniya Rivers scored 14 points and Leila Lacan added four assists, but Connecticut could not overcome a tough shooting night and dropped to 9-27 on the season.
Sparks Snap Skid Behind Burrell’s Scoring Punch
The Sparks (now 12-24) came into the game desperate to end a six-game slide, and they leaned on Burrell’s offensive output. Burrell, who has been a consistent contributor all season, delivered a game-high 20 points on efficient shooting, providing the spark Los Angeles needed. Nneka Ogwumike controlled the glass with 11 rebounds, giving the Sparks second-chance opportunities and limiting Connecticut’s possessions. Erica Wheeler’s playmaking (5 assists) kept the offense flowing, and the Sparks’ balanced attack proved too much for the Sun to handle.
Defensively, Los Angeles tightened up in the second half, holding Connecticut to 68 points and forcing key stops down the stretch. The win not only snapped the skid but also gave the Sparks a much-needed confidence boost as they look to finish the season strong.
Sun Struggle Despite Rivers’ Effort
Connecticut, which had snapped a five-game road losing streak with an 85-77 win over the Sparks on August 18, could not replicate that success in the rematch. Saniya Rivers led the Sun with 14 points, continuing her role as the team’s offensive anchor, but she lacked consistent support. Leila Lacan chipped in with four assists, and Raegan Beers grabbed a team-high seven rebounds before exiting with a day-to-day injury designation.
The Sun’s frontcourt depth is a growing concern, as Aaliyah Edwards and Brittney Griner remain out, and Beers’ status is now uncertain. With the loss, Connecticut fell to 2-13 in Eastern Conference play and remains in seventh place in the division. The team has now lost two straight and faces an uphill battle to build momentum in the final stretch of the season.
Turning Point: Second-Half Adjustments
After a competitive first half, the Sparks pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring the Sun and building a lead that Connecticut could not erase. Los Angeles’ defensive intensity increased, forcing the Sun into difficult shots and limiting their second-chance points. Burrell’s scoring run in the third quarter proved decisive, as the Sparks took control and never looked back. The Sun made a late push, but the deficit was too large to overcome.
Key Stats and Performances
- Rae Burrell (LA): 20 points, game-high scoring effort.
- Nneka Ogwumike (LA): 11 rebounds, anchored the glass.
- Erica Wheeler (LA): 5 assists, facilitated the offense.
- Saniya Rivers (CT): 14 points, led the Sun in scoring.
- Raegan Beers (CT): 7 rebounds before exiting with a day-to-day injury.
What It Means for Both Teams
For the Sparks, the victory provides a much-needed morale boost and snaps a six-game slide. While they remain well outside playoff contention, the win shows resilience and gives head coach Curt Miller a positive building block for the remainder of the season. Los Angeles will look to string together more wins as they evaluate their young core.
For the Sun, the loss extends a difficult season. At 9-27 and with injuries piling up, Connecticut faces an uphill battle to close out the year. The team returns home to face the Chicago Sky on Tuesday, August 25, and will need a complete effort to protect home court. Raegan Beers’ availability will be a key storyline leading up to that game, as the Sun’s frontcourt depth is already thin without Aaliyah Edwards and Brittney Griner.
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