Sparks lose leading scorer from last win before difficult Dream matchup originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Sparks finally ended their six-game losing streak Saturday, but they were unable to bring one of the heroes from that victory into Monday’s matchup with the Atlanta Dream. Los Angeles ruled Rae Burrell out because of an illness shortly before tipoff. The 6-foot-2 guard-forward initially appeared on the injury report as questionable before the team downgraded her status.
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Burrell’s absence represented a substantial loss for a Sparks team searching for consecutive victories for the first time since its recent slide began.
She was coming off one of her most complete performances of the season.
Burrell’s breakthrough came at the perfect time
Burrell led all scorers with 20 points in Los Angeles’ 77-68 victory over the Connecticut Sun on Saturday. She shot 8-of-13 from the field and made two 3-pointers while adding two rebounds and two assists. Her influence extended well beyond the offensive end, as she also recorded three steals and three blocks in 30 minutes.
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That two-way effort helped Los Angeles halt a six-game losing streak and gave the Sparks a needed positive result late in a frustrating season. Burrell has become one of the team’s most productive players, averaging 14.4 points, 2.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game. Losing that production against Atlanta created an immediate problem for coach Lynne Roberts.
Tonie Morgan and Monique Akoa Makani were among the players positioned to receive additional opportunities with Burrell unavailable. Neither player could be expected to replace everything Burrell provides alone. Los Angeles needed a collective response, particularly against a Dream team carrying significant momentum into the game.
MORE: Caitlin Clark delivers final blow to Chicago Sky’s playoff hopes
Atlanta presents a much tougher challenge
The Dream entered Monday with a 24-13 record and three consecutive victories. Atlanta already had secured a playoff berth but remained motivated by the opportunity to improve its seeding over the final seven games of the regular season.
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Angel Reese and the Dream presented a difficult matchup for a Sparks team already eliminated from playoff contention at 13-24. Atlanta had the advantage in form, depth and postseason motivation even before Burrell was ruled out.
For Los Angeles, the final stretch is now about development, evaluation and building momentum for the offseason. Burrell has become an important part of that process, making any opportunity for her younger teammates particularly meaningful.
MORE: Caitlin Clark delivers final blow to Chicago Sky’s playoff hopes
Burrell could return later this week
The encouraging news for the Sparks is that Burrell’s illness does not appear to be a long-term concern. Los Angeles does not play again until Friday, when it faces the Washington Mystics. That break gives Burrell several days to recover before the Sparks return to action.
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Her availability will be important even with the playoffs no longer possible. Burrell’s increased production has been one of the encouraging developments in an otherwise disappointing season. Saturday’s performance showed what she can provide when everything comes together. She scored efficiently, created turnovers and protected the rim despite playing on the perimeter.
The Sparks already faced a difficult assignment against Atlanta. Attempting it without the player who powered their most recent victory made the challenge considerably greater.
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