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USA Today via Reuters
May 1, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Sparks players Dearica Hamby (left) and Cameron Brink attend game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs between the LA Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-05-02T052109Z_1032232665_MT1USATODAY23164873_RTRMADP_3_NBA-PLAYOFFS-DALLAS-MAVERICKS-AT-LOS-ANGELES-CLIPPERS.jpg?width=600)
USA Today via Reuters
May 1, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; LA Sparks players Dearica Hamby (left) and Cameron Brink attend game five of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs between the LA Clippers and the Dallas Mavericks at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Tonight was a big one for the West Coast. Not only did their rookies show up and show out, but they did it over the 2x reigning champions. Rickea Jackson and Dearica Hamby pushed the offense for the team along with Aari McDonald and Rae Burrell. At the same time, Cameron Brink came off with her defensive crown for the night. After back-to-back wins, the fourth overall pick of the 2024 draft class expressed her thoughts.
Talking during the walk-off interview, Jackson spoke up about the feeling of winning over A’ja Wilson and Co. on their home court. She said, “It was amazing. I feel like this is just our confidence-building game one and I’m just so proud of this team.” The rookie who matched her career-high 16 points and 5 rebounds tonight also shared her mindset going against the Las Vegas Aces. She said, “I just want to win. I feel like this team comes in every day and put in a work. I’m just grateful to be in LA!”
The rookie shared the team’s plan on trying to continue to keep the winning streak alive as they hop on the bus for seven straight road games. On building off the 2-game win streak, the forward said, “Just staying together. That’s what got us the win today. Knowing that our defense is going to get us stops and we just need to convert on our offensive end and just stand together and connected on both ends.”
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The former Lady Vols sent a message to the Sparks fans to continue to support them through the tough schedule. Tonight was another huge crowd for LA as 13,900 fans experienced a magical matchup and thrilling back-and-forth game that ended in their home team snatching the 96-92 win. Surely, just like Cameron Brink’s teammate said, their confidence is building up with every game and there will be many wins to come.
How did Cameron Brink and the Sparks steal the win at home?
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Rae Burrell and Rickea Jackson had quite a display on the floor against the Aces. In the last three minutes of the game, both the stars dropped a handful of threes to push the Sparks ahead. The 23-year-old rookie complemented her veteran, saying, “Rae does what she always does.”
Aari McDonald too had a huge hand in the team’s win tonight. She added 16 points to LA’s bag. Previously, the No. 15 had mentioned how Curt Miller requires a lot from his point guards. The shoes that she has always filled properly. Cameron Brink too gave a decent display. Although the 6-ft-4 forward only added 8 points on Sunday, she did not disappoint on her signature– blocks. She made 5 blocks for the team and capped it off with 6 rebounds.
The Sparks have won two games straight and that too against veteran teams. In their last win over the Dallas Wings, Curt Miller had projected his happiness for the team and the requirement to grab that win. Looks like the team took it to heart and gave their best on the floor tonight. Time will tell if they are able to keep their winning streak as they face off against the Seattle Storm next.
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Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato had to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.