Rae Burrell scored 20 points as the Los Angeles Sparks snapped a six-game skid with a 77-68 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Saturday night.
The Los Angeles Sparks snapped a six-game losing streak with a 77-68 win over the Connecticut Sun on Saturday night, as Rae Burrell poured in 20 points and Nneka Ogwumike grabbed 11 rebounds. The Sun, who had won the previous meeting between the teams just five days earlier, dropped to 9-27 on the season and saw their road slide extend to six games.
Sparks Find Offensive Spark
Rae Burrell led all scorers with 20 points, providing the offensive punch the Sparks desperately needed after scoring 88 or fewer in each game of their six-game skid. Erica Wheeler added 5 assists, and Nneka Ogwumike anchored the interior with 11 rebounds. The Sparks improved to 13-24 overall and 7-11 at home, and their balanced attack helped them build a lead they never relinquished in the second half.
Sun Struggle on Road Again
Saniya Rivers paced Connecticut with 14 points, while Leila Lacan dished out 4 assists. Raegan Beers grabbed a team-high 7 rebounds before exiting with a day-to-day injury designation. The Sun shot just 38% from the field and committed 15 turnovers, continuing a trend of road struggles that have plagued them all season. Connecticut fell to 2-13 in Eastern Conference play and has now lost two straight and three of their last four.
Turning Point: Third-Quarter Run
After a tight first half, the Sparks used a 12-2 run early in the third quarter to seize control. Burrell scored seven points during that stretch, and the Sun never got closer than six points the rest of the way. The decisive run was fueled by three Connecticut turnovers and a pair of offensive rebounds by Ogwumike, which extended possessions and allowed the Sparks to build a comfortable cushion.
Injury Report Impact
Both teams were shorthanded. The Sparks were without Brittney Griner, while the Sun were missing Rayah Marshall and Aaliyah Edwards. Beers’ day-to-day status adds to Connecticut’s injury concerns as they prepare for their next game. The Sparks’ depth was tested, but Burrell and Wheeler stepped up to fill the void.
What It Means
The win snaps the Sparks’ six-game slide and gives them momentum heading into a rematch with the Atlanta Dream on Monday. The Sun, meanwhile, remain near the bottom of the Eastern Conference and will look to end their two-game losing streak when they host the Chicago Sky on Tuesday. With the season winding down, both teams are fighting for positioning, though the Sparks’ playoff hopes are fading while the Sun are already eliminated from contention.
Key Stats
- Rae Burrell scored a game-high 20 points for the Sparks.
- Nneka Ogwumike grabbed 11 rebounds for Los Angeles.
- Saniya Rivers led Connecticut with 14 points.
- Raegan Beers had 7 rebounds before exiting with a day-to-day injury.
- The Sparks outrebounded the Sun 38-30.
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