Full Breakdown
Sparks Snap Lynx’s 10-Game Winning Streak
8/7/2026, 10:47:34 AM
Background & Context
The Minnesota Lynx entered Thursday night’s matchup on a league-best 10-game winning streak, the longest run of the 2026 WNBA season. During the streak the Lynx posted an offensive rating of 120.2 and shot roughly 44 % from three-point range, averaging 11 made threes per game. Rookie guard Olivia Miles has been a focal point, hitting 45.5 % of her threes over her last ten games. Their defensive rating slipped to 109.4 during the streak, a concern voiced by head coach Cheryl Reeve after a July 20 win over Seattle.
Game Summary
The Sparks defeated the Lynx 89-82, ending Minnesota’s streak. Minnesota opened with an 11-point first-quarter lead before Los Angeles narrowed the gap to 22-21. A 15-4 run gave the Sparks a brief lead, but the Lynx responded with an 11-0 surge to retake a one-point edge at halftime. In the third quarter the Sparks outscored Minnesota 26-23, cutting the deficit to five. A late three-pointer by Kayla McBride gave the Lynx an 82-81 lead with 4:52 remaining, but a timeout was followed by an 8-0 run that sealed the win. The Sparks held a five-point advantage with 1:03 left and never looked back.
Key Performers
- Dearica Hamby (Sparks) – 16 points, 9 rebounds
- Rae Burrell (Sparks) – 17 points
- Nneka Ogwumike (Sparks) – 16 points, go-ahead layup in the fourth quarter
- Cameron Brink (Sparks) – 12 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks
- Erica Wheeler (Sparks) – 12 points, 9 assists, key three-pointer in the closing run
- Olivia Miles (Lynx) – 23 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists (rookie season high)
- Napheesa Collier (Lynx) – 21 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists
- Kayla McBride (Lynx) – 24 points (including a late three)
Data & Statistics
- Sparks shooting: 46 % from the field in the second quarter; strong paint play (14-8 advantage) and limited Lynx three-point success early on.
- Lynx three-point shooting: 1-10 in the first quarter, far below their season 39.1 % average.
- Rebounds: Both teams recorded double-digit totals; Brink and Hamby each contributed eight rebounds for the Sparks.
- Assists: Wheeler’s nine assists fueled the late surge; Miles and Collier led the Lynx distribution.
Impact
The loss snapped Minnesota’s ten-game run and gave the Sparks their first victory over the Lynx this season. The win improves Los Angeles’ standing heading into the final stretch, while the defeat highlights defensive lapses for Minnesota despite their offensive efficiency, echoing Coach Reeve’s earlier call for “better defensive effort.”
Upcoming Games
- The Sparks face the Golden State Valkyries on Sunday at 4:00 PM PT.
- The Lynx will look to rebound against the Indiana Fever on Thursday.
