LOS ANGELES -- The season resumed for the Sparks.
That's about the best that can be said about the situation. The New York Liberty went into Crypto.Com Arena and obliterated the Sparks, 103-68. The Liberty got off to a 10-0 start and never looked back.
The Libs (22-4) outshined the Sparks in every major category. New York shot over 53 percent from the field compared to under 36 for Los Angeles. Liberty had nine more boards. They made seven more threes. And NYC nearly doubled up L.A. in assists, 31-16. Not to mention that the Sparks, who were missing Stephanie Talbot and Aari McDonald, had 20 turnovers.
Curt Miller looked at the not-so-great start from the Sparks.
Curt Miller talked about the energy at the start of the game. @SportingTrib @FredoCervantes pic.twitter.com/eX9dGx9isu
— 𝐑𝐞𝐲-𝐑𝐞𝐲 (@TheNoLookPass) August 16, 2024
"Obviously, that 10-0 start... got punched at first. We have to respond," Miller said. "But there was a 9-0 run to start the second quarter. So that 10-0 run and that 9-0 run to start quarters, we just didn't step back up to the first punch thrown."
When asked about the positives, Miller answered back with a familiar response from this season.
How much will the loss stay on Curt Miller’s mind? @SportingTrib @FredoCervantes pic.twitter.com/O3gRXeGFHx
— 𝐑𝐞𝐲-𝐑𝐞𝐲 (@TheNoLookPass) August 16, 2024
"The positive is that we play two more games in three days," Miller responded. "So we get right back on the horse and be able to play. We gotta respond in practice tomorrow and be ready for Chicago."
How will the Sparks take this loss and learn as the schedule doesn’t get any easier? @SportingTrib @FredoCervantes pic.twitter.com/5hD8qxnD5x
— 𝐑𝐞𝐲-𝐑𝐞𝐲 (@TheNoLookPass) August 16, 2024
"This isn't what we expected," rookie Rickea Jackson said of the loss. "But at the same time, we did it to ourselves so we have to come out and with a more focused mind on both ends of the court next game."
The Liberty didn't miss a beat with Betnijah Laney-Hamilton out. Breanna Stewart scored 27 points coming off a gold medal from Paris. The other Olympian, Sabrina Ionescu, put up 18 points in an easy night for New York.
As for the Sparks, Rae Burrell lived at the line as she went 12 for 13 free throws on her way to 15 points. Dearica Hamby had another double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds while Jackson scored 13 points.
All the Sparks, now 6-19, can do is throw this game in the trash and try again on Saturday when Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky come into their building.