Full Breakdown
Sparks Snap Six-Game Skid with 77-68 Victory Over Connecticut Sun
8/23/2026, 11:51:10 AM
Game Summary
The Los Angeles Sparks ended a six-game losing streak by defeating the Connecticut Sun 77-68 on Saturday night. The win improved the Sparks’ record to 13-24 and gave the Sun a 9-27 mark. The Sparks led 44-36 at halftime and extended the margin in the third quarter, out-rebounding the Sun 9-12 to push the lead to 66-46 before holding on for the final result.
Key Performances
Guard Rae Burrell led the Sparks with 20 points, while veteran forward Nneka Ogwumike recorded a double-double (11 points, 11 rebounds), the 131st of her career. Guard Erica Wheeler contributed 11 points, and forward Dearica Hamby added 10 before being ejected in the fourth quarter. For the Sun, bench player Saniya Rivers scored 14 points, Leila Lacan posted 13, and Kennedy Burke had 10.
Defensive Turnaround
The Sparks, which had been allowing an average of 93.6 points per game, limited the league’s lowest-scoring offense to 11 points below its own average. After surrendering 124 points to Atlanta earlier in the week, the Sparks forced the Sun into a low-shooting night, holding Connecticut to four of 16 attempts in the first half. Despite committing 30 turnovers, the Sparks’ defense generated a three-pointer from Wheeler at 6:12 of the fourth quarter that stretched the lead to 77-55.
Impact of Injuries and Discipline
Connecticut entered the game without star center Brittney Griner (knee) and forward Aaliyah Edwards (ankle). The Sun’s early momentum was further hampered when Hamby received a flagrant-2 foul for striking Raegan Beers and was subsequently ejected, reducing the Sun’s physical presence in the final minutes.
Outlook
The Sparks close the four-game home stand with a matchup against Atlanta on Monday, seeking to build on the defensive improvement that halted their losing streak. The Sun must regroup after the loss while coping with the continued absence of Griner and Edwards.
