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Sparks receive significant injury update on 2024 rookie's return
Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink. Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Sparks receive significant update on 2024 rookie's return from injury

The Los Angeles Sparks are the WNBA's hottest team, and a recent injury update could mean they won't cool down anytime soon.

Forward Cameron Brink, the team's first-round pick (No. 2 overall) of the 2024 WNBA Draft, is set for her return after suffering an ACL tear in June 2024. Brink is expected to play on Tuesday, when the Sparks host the Las Vegas Aces (13-13).

Last season, Brink started 15 games before being injured and quickly established herself as a defensive force, averaging 2.3 blocks and 1.1 steals while adding 7.5 points per game. Per Stathead, Brink is one of seven players in WNBA history to average at least two blocks and one assist per game in their first season and the first since 2008, when both Sylvia Fowles and Candace Parker accomplished the feat.

With Brink slated to return to the Sparks rotation, Los Angeles could be in better shape to keep up its positive momentum.

The Sparks (11-14) have won five consecutive games, the longest active win streak in WNBA. On Saturday, they defeated the New York Liberty (17-7), 101-99, on a Rickea Jackson buzzer-beater.

Los Angeles is only a game behind the Washington Mystics (12-13) for the league's final playoff spot, and Brink could help erase the gap completely.

The Sparks have struggled defensively this season, allowing the league's second-most points per game (87.3) and ranking 11th in defensive rating (109.9). (h/t Basketball Reference)

Those shortcomings have negated the team's offensive success. Los Angeles ranks third in scoring (85 points per game) and second in pace. It holds the league's top three-point shooting percentage (35.7%) and second-best shooting percentage overall (45.8%).

With better defensive effort, which Brink should provide, the already-hot Sparks could soon ignite.

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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