After a rough start to the season, the Los Angeles Sparks are right back in the playoff mix, due to their recent surge, winning seven of their last nine games, including a five-game winning streak before losing to the Las Vegas Aces.
The Sparks are now a game and a half behind the eight seed for the final playoff spot.
Here’s how the Sparks have turned their season around and are now one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
The Sparks are Getting Hot at the Right Time
Breakthrough in their Offense
For the season, the Sparks are scoring 85.5 points per game, and shooting 45.6 percent from the floor and 34.7 percent from three while having the fifth-best offensive rating (104.3).
However, since July 1st, the Sparks offense has gone another gear, as they are scoring the most points per game (91.8), first in field goal percentage (48.6 percent) and three-point percentage (37 percent), and second in offensive rating (109.3).
In this stretch, the Sparks’ starting five have been one of the best starting units in the league, reflected in having the second-best win percentage since July 1st.
Here’s the impact of the starting lineup during the stretch:
Julie Allemand is averaging 6.2 points and 5.4 assists while having the highest +/- on the team at +5.6.
Kelsey Plum is averaging 19.8 points and 6.8 assists while shooting 46.9 percent from the floor, 41 percent from three, and 94.6 percent from the free-throw line.
Rickea Jackson is averaging 16.1 points and four rebounds while shooting 45.2 percent from the floor and 80 percent from the free-throw line.
Azurà Stevens is averaging 15.4 points and 8.6 rebounds while shooting 49.1 percent from the floor and 43.1 percent from three.
Dearica Hamby is averaging 19.5 points and 8.6 rebounds while shooting 61.4 percent from the floor and 41.7 percent from three.
The Sparks offense is clicking on all cylinders at the right time and is now right in the mix for the final playoff spot.
Core Players Stepping Up
The Sparks have showcased how lethal their offense is with its balanced attack, as four players are currently averaging double-figures in points.
Plum is having a career year, averaging 20.3 points, six assists, and 1.4 steals per game while shooting 36.1 percent from three on 6.9 attempts this season. The points, assists, and steals are all career-highs
Jackson has had an up-and-down sophomore season, but has really come on strong during the Sparks’ surge, averaging 17 points and four rebounds per game while shooting 46.4 percent from the floor and 39 percent from three in their last nine games.
RICKEA JACKSON FOR THE WIN!!! @iamthathooper x @WNBA pic.twitter.com/5PBWX8XHuT
— Los Angeles Sparks (@LASparks) July 27, 2025
Hamby has been Ms. Consistent all season, averaging 17.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.7 steals while shooting 55.8 percent from the floor.
Stevens has a legit case for Most Improved as she’s in the midst of a career year, averaging career-high 14.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, two assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game while shooting 50.2 percent from the floor and 40.5 percent from three on 4.5 attempts (which has been pivotal in their spread offense).
On any given night, any one of these players has the ability to lead the charge and has stepped up and led the way.
Finally, On The Right Side Of Health
The Sparks dealt with a lot of adversity early in the season due to a multitude of injuries, which played a major factor in their rough start.
Resulting in Rae Burrell suffering a right leg injury in the first game of the season, causing her to miss 16 games.
Jackson missed five games due to a concussion and personal reasons.
Cameron Brink made her season debut on Tuesday, after being sidelined since June 2024, due to a torn ACL.
With the roster finally fully healthy, it’s clearly reflected on this team as they are oozing with confidence, as Jackson said in her postgame interview in their double OT thriller win against the Seattle Storm, which has shifted the trajectory of the playoff race.
Playoff Outlook
The Sparks are two games behind the final playoff spot with 17 games remaining.
The Sparks have not made the playoffs since 2020, which is currently the longest drought in franchise history and in the league.
There’s plenty of work to do in order for the Sparks to prove that their recent breakthrough isn’t a fluke and for them to end their playoff drought.
Main Image: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
