All good things must come to an end and on Thursday night for the Minnesota Lynx it was a franchise record-tying 10-game winning streak, as they fell to the L.A. Sparks 89-82.
Closing the game on an 8-0 run, the Sparks brought a gang approach on both ends of the hardwood to walk away with what most considered a shocking win in Minneapolis. Having so many interchangeable players, position wise, with size, length, and the ability to play or defend multiple spots on the floor made the So Cal based squad a nightmare to deal with.
Nneka Ogwumike was the rock, contributing 16 points and 7 rebounds while drawing the most defensive attention for the bulk of the game. Do-it-all Dearica Hamby had 16 points and 9 rebounds, keeping plays alive and getting into the paint at will. Erica Wheeler was a straight catalyst with 12 points, 9 assists, and 4 rebounds. Immensely talented and rapidly improving Rae Burrell had a number of stretches where she got hot, pouring in 17 points. The surprise for L.A., however, came from Cameron Brink. The No. 2 pick in last year's WNBA Draft had an epic two way showing of 12 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks.
Cameron Brink vs. Minnesota Lynx (6/8/26)
— Cristian (@DouBasket28) August 7, 2026
12 PTS · 8 REB · 5 AST · 3 BLK pic.twitter.com/dXgZ0yQcQR
Thinking Post-Season
Having just made the biggest move of the WNBA trade deadline by dealing Kelsey Plum to the Phoenix Mercury, many thought the Sparks were packing it in. That is hardly the case. In fact, the new look Sparks along with their leader made it clear that they're gunning for the playoffs.
"It's good to play to our potential. You mentioned it, but Cam was a phenomonal difference maker. Phee is a really hard guard with her turnarounds and her stepbacks. She's just so skilled, but Cam's length was a factor down the stretch," Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts told Ballislife immediately after the team's defining win of the season thus far. "I think that Monique was tremendous. She's been with us for four days and she played down the stretch, and played in the final minutes."
On The Brink
The impact Brink had on both ends of the floor was paramount. Her ability to contain virtually any position on the perimeter with her length and agility is absurd. The chemistry rapidly evolving between her and 11-time all-star Ogwumike is a sight to behold, as both versatile forwards echoed after the game.
"Cam really is our north star. Her and A are kind of our north star in terms of our defense. A takes care of the perimeter and Cam is almost the finisher inside," the Ogwumike said. "Being able to have her inside, being physical, making plays...bouncing back from tough plays...I think it was the difference maker for our difference down the stretch. I think we compliment each other in space well on both ends of the floor, but especially on offense as we get more minutes."
All-Around Game
Just as impressive as Brink's defensive impact was the versatility she brought on the offensive end. The five assists were a career high, utilizing her 6-foot-4 height to see over the top of defenders. She had her head on a swivel when collapsing the defense with deep post touches and also had no problem sharing the rock to open shooters on the perimeter.
"I think I told myself to just keep it simple. Basketball is fun," Brink simply said of her ability to make plays for others. "When you have people around you like Nneka and Ariel, it's so easy. I've just been trying to have that mentality of moving the ball and making the right play."
Cam humbly admitted after what may have been the best game of her career, "I was really nervous about today, to be honest. Our last back to back, I hadn't played many games in the W so back to backs are daunting. I have been leaning on Nneka a lot. I'm really thankful for her presence. We had a really good team meeting today and were really candid with each other. We were really candid as a team."
Is LA a Real Contender?
The new look Sparks certainly had that comradery and will be pushing for that final playoff spot in the W. Their group effort and sheer depth make them a scary potential matchup for anyone in the first round. The resiliency they showed on a back to back with unselfish players that are interchangable for stretches was truly a joy to watch, something that Coach Roberts was quite proud of.
"This has been an interesting four days, but I'm really proud of our group that we just kept on business and responded to last night," Roberts explained. "Back to backs are tough. Traveling on the road is tough. Our players just showed incredible toughness and fortitude, which is the thing I'm most pleased with."
