Mystics vs. Sparks Preview: Five-Game Losing Streak Meets Five-Game Losing Streak, Li Yueru Awaits Breakout, Sparks Aim to End Losing Streak on the Road

On August 23, the WNBA regular season continues with the Sparks visiting the Mystics.

The Sparks have recently hit rock bottom, suffering a five-game losing streak after losing to the Sun. Currently, they are second-to-last in the league with a record of 6 wins and 22 losses, making their chances of securing a playoff spot increasingly slim. The Sparks’ scoring ability is quite limited, averaging only 77.9 points per game, which ranks them second-to-last in the league. They also concede an average of 85.6 points per game, making them the third most conceding team in the league. Additionally, they struggle with turnovers and fouls, averaging 15.1 turnovers (among the highest in the league) and 18.8 fouls per game, ranking third in the league. Moreover, their free-throw performance is poor, with a free-throw percentage of just 75.9%, placing them third-to-last in the league.

The Sparks had a poor season last year, so they made some adjustments during the offseason, hoping for improvement in the new season. Unfortunately, the team has not effectively addressed their issues on both ends of the court. During the offseason, key players Nneka Ogwumike and Chelsea Gray departed, significantly impacting the team’s strength. However, the Sparks drafted Cameron Brink as the second pick and Rickea Jackson as the fourth pick in the draft, and also signed players like McDonald, Cooke, Li Yueru, Nia Coffey, Crystal Bradford, Julie Allemand, etc. Particularly, Li Yueru’s signing brought significant attention to the Sparks, but this attention has not translated into results, and the Sparks continue to struggle.

Up to now, four players on the Sparks have averaged double-digit scoring, but none have reached 20 points per game. Among them, Nneka Ogwumike averages 18 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, Brittney Sykes contributes 13.9 points and 5 assists, Rickea Jackson averages 11.8 points and 3.9 rebounds, and Katie Lou Samuelson scores 11.2 points and grabs 6.6 rebounds per game.

In their most recent game, the Sparks lost 61-69 to the Sun on the road, being overturned despite a late rally. In the final four minutes, the Sparks managed only two points, leading to a loss that left their coach ejected in frustration. Only two players scored in double digits for the Sparks in this game, with Katie Lou Samuelson and Jackson each contributing 14 points and six rebounds. Nneka Ogwumike added 9 points and 10 rebounds, while Li Yueru came off the bench with 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. It was disappointing that the Sparks couldn’t capitalize on the struggling Sun.

The Mystics are also in a slump, having lost five straight games after their defeat to the Storm, leaving them third-to-last in the league with a 6-22 record. Like the Sparks, the Mystics have had a tough season, including a ten-game losing streak at the start. Their offensive output is weak, averaging only 79 points per game, placing them third-to-last in the league. They also struggle with turnovers, averaging 15.5 per game, the second-highest in the league. Their rebounding numbers are also the worst in the league, with an average of only 31.9 rebounds per game, indicating overall poor performance.

Last season, the Mystics finished seventh in the regular season with a 19-21 record and were swept 0-2 by the Liberty in the first round of the playoffs. During the offseason, they saw significant roster changes, with starting point guard Natasha Cloud moving to the Mercury, Tianna Hawkins retiring, and Li Meng returning to China to prepare for the Olympics. The Mystics did bring in players like Sami Whitcomb from the Sparks, Myisha Hines-Allen from the Liberty, and Natisha Hiedeman from the Sun, but their offseason adjustments appear to have been unsuccessful based on their current form.

This season, only two Mystics players average double-digit scoring, with Ariel Atkins leading the way at 17.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.7 assists per game, and Myisha Hines-Allen adding 13.7 points and 12.2 rebounds. In their last game, the Mystics lost 77-83 to the Storm at home. Despite out-rebounding the Storm, they committed 22 turnovers and 25 fouls. Ariel Atkins scored 25 points and 5 rebounds, and Elizabeth Williams contributed 24 points and 9 rebounds, but the rest of the team performed poorly, leading to another loss at home.

The two teams split their previous two meetings this season, with the Mystics winning the most recent matchup 82-80, thanks to a Sparks collapse in the fourth quarter. Both teams are desperate for a win. For tomorrow’s game, the Sparks will be without Brown and Brink, while the Mystics have a full squad. This game presents a prime opportunity for both teams to halt their losing streaks. Who will come out on top remains to be seen.

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