After starting the year 0-2, the Sparks have a chance to get their first win against the Washington Mystics. The Mystics started the season 0-3 after losing their three games by 7 points or fewer. To come out on top in the battle of the winless, let’s go over what the keys the Sparks need to accomplish.
Key #1: DeArica Hamby Needs to Continue Hot Start
Hamby has averaged 24.5 points and 11 rebounds per game so far this season. Throughout Hamby’s ten-year career, these two games are by far the best production she has had. Hamby is also shooting a career-high 61.3% field goal percentage.
In the first three games, the Mystics allowed five players who scored 20+ points. DeArica Hamby is top 5 in points per game this season and the Mystics have shown to struggle with scorers. This is a game where DeArica Hamby needs to carry the scoring load against the 11th ranked defense in the WNBA.
Key #2: Must Score on Fast Breaks
In the last game against the Aces, Los Angeles outscored the defending champions 20-8 in fast break points. The Sparks have accumulated 30 fast break points in the first two games of the season, which is top 4 in the league.
On the flipside, the Mystics are last in fast break points with only 5.7 per game. This allowed the Mystics to be outscored on fast brakes by a margin of 28-17. The Sparks must take advantage of the fast scoring opportunities they are given against the Mystics.
The Sparks started the season off slowly, but that could change with scoring from DeArica Hamby and fast break opportunities. If Los Angeles can get as much offensive production against the Mystics, then the Sparks can earn their first victory of 2024.
