The LA Sparks are in unprecedented territory when it comes to defensive end, but for all the wrong reasons. As reported by Sparks beat writer Justin Russo, the Sparks currently have a defensive rating of 115.6, the lowest ever in WNBA history.
When Russo caught up with court general Kelsey Plum after the Sparks’ Sunday night game, she bluntly challenged her teammates to show more consistency on defense.
“It’s about being a professional. You show up every night, and you do your job. That’s what we need to do moving forward, every night.”
Plum, who is in her second season with the Sparks, added that her squad needs to show more heart as they look to limit their opponents’ production.
“I get it, you make mistakes and everything. But it’s really more just about pride.”
For a change, the Sparks were clearly the better team defensively as they defeated the Portland Fire 89-72 that night. Plum and her crew held the expansion team to 36.1% from the field and 3-for-28 shooting from deep, while also forcing 15 turnovers for the game.
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Still, the Sparks have their work cut out for them as they continue to fine-tune their system on both ends of the floor.
“It Comes Down to Discipline”: Sparks HC Calls for Team to Maintain Focus After Win Over Fire
Plum’s message was echoed by Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts, who told reporters after the game that she wants her players to stay focused.
“We’re all healthy now, and we gotta go. It all comes down to discipline, to do things right on both ends of the floor.”
Roberts added that her coaching staff hasn’t put in new sets “since training camp,” emphasizing that her players just need to execute what they already know.
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