Sparks on the Road

The LA Sparks started their longest road trip on a 4-game win streak but lost to the Dallas Wings 85 to 79 last Sunday. The Sparks (18-7) who were almost perfect from the free throw line making 25 of 27 attempts, were out rebounded by the Wings 31 to 47 including 16 offensive rebounds by Dallas. The Sparks continue on the road and are scheduled to play their next four road games in just eight days. Three of the four games are with playoff contenders. Including a much anticipated, August 11th matchup with the Minnesota Lynx.

The Lynx hosted the Sparks early in the season, back on July 6th and won 88-77. They now stand alone atop the league with the best record of 20-3. Minnesota has continued to show itself to be the team to beat this year. This year they became the first team in WNBA history to win at least 20 games seven seasons in a row.

The Sparks are in second place three games out of first place, but they are 3 games ahead of third place Connecticut Sun (16-9). Barring a total collapse by either team, both the Lynx and Sparks should finish one-two in the standings and should receive a bye in the first playoff round. If all goes well, they, once again, should meet in the finals for a rematch of last year's championship series in September.

The Spark's return home against the San Antonio Stars on Tuesday, August 22 at the Staple Center--tipoff time is at 7:30.