Los Angeles Sparks Clinch a Spot in the Playoffs with a 84-79 victory over the Dream

Bradenton, FL- The Los Angeles Sparks' bench contributed to an 84-79 win over the Atlanta Dream and clinched themselves a playoff spot.

The Sparks' bench provided 37 points as the Los Angeles' starters had a really rough game against the Dream. Candace Parker had 9 points, 7 assists, and 10 rebounds, but she had to work really hard to get her points. Parker had trouble connecting on shots that she usually makes and she had four turnovers. Sydney Wiese was completely out of sync and had trouble shooting the long ball. Wiese only had 5 points in 21 minutes of play. The player that stepped up huge was Chelsea Gray. Gray hit a couple of crucial shots down the stretch to keep the Sparks in front of the Dream and eventually get a grind it out victory over the Dream. Gray finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

As the season winds down and the playoffs are coming into the picture, the Sparks have to be more efficient with getting the ball early to Candace Parker and letting some of the offense run through her. Parker is very skilled in taking on a double team and finding the open shooter for a high-quality shot. Against the Dream, many shots were contested and not of high quality. The Sparks barely squeeze out with a victory, but turnovers are something that has plaqued this team all season long. In order for them to go deep in the playoffs, they can not turn the ball over. Turnovers lead to fastbreak points for the other team. It will be insteresting to see what improvements the Sparks will make before the playoffs.