MINNEAPOLIS -- Despite the loss, the Sparks have a lot to be proud of.
Los Angeles got off to a double-digit lead in the first half. But the Minnesota Lynx (10-3), being the team that they are, came back and took control of the game. Still, the Sparks did fight back but it wasn't enough as the Lynx eventually came out on top, 81-76.
Napheesa Collier was all over the place as she led all players with 30 points and six rebounds. But her most impressive part of the game was on the defensive side where she had eight steals, which was a Lynx franchise record.
Turnovers were definitely a big part of the game. Both teams were sloppy but the Sparks (4-9) were definitely sloppier as they had 21 giveaways compared to 17 by the Lynx. And for a team that is as prolific offensively as Minnesota, Los Angeles couldn't afford to give them extra possessions.
"No moral victories. Disappointed with our ball security and our turnovers," Sparks head coach Curt Miller said. "Think ultimately, that's a big telling story of the game."
Something different happened for the first time in five games for the Sparks: they didn't fall into a 6-0 hole. In fact, they dominated the first quarter, 25-14. The Sparks getting off to a start like this makes a difference.
"We went toe to toe with a really really good team," Miller said. "That first quarter where we've had some slow starts as of late, I saw a spirited starting group, determined to be good defensively. We really came out and had a good first half defensively against their schemes. I thought we were better in transition. I thought we were better early in the shot clock so we got them into their playbook.
"I loved our start. I loved how we competed. Again, we put ourselves in position to maybe steal a road win and just came up a little bit short."
Aari McDonald, who had another good game with 14 points, liked what she saw with the team.
"Confidence is everything. When you're confident, you're not thinking, you're just playing. You're setting yourself up for success," McDonald said. "Not just thinking about myself but I think as a whole, as a unit, we took a big step tonight. We played together. When things were hard, we came together. We were talking it out. We're really a team tonight so I'm happy moving forward."
Rickea Jackson had her first double-double with career highs in both points (19) and rebounds (10). Dearica Hamby also had a double-double with 16 points and 11 boards. It's her 11th in 13 games. As for the Lynx, Collier got a huge help from Courtney Williams, who had her own double-double with 15 points and 10 assists.
At the very least, it was a much better fight from the Sparks than their previous encounter.
Despite playing well in both road games, the trip is off to an 0-2 start for the Sparks. But they're a young team and it's all about becoming a better team as the season progresses.
They'll get another chance on Sunday when they take on the Dream in Atlanta on a Sunday matinee.
