One last run in a Sparks jersey
Eleven All-Star picks. A 2016 MVP award. And now, on Thursday, one final game. Nneka Ogwumike is calling it a day against the Golden State Valkyries in a contest that means nothing to the Sparks’ standings, with Los Angeles already out of the playoff picture at 16 wins and 27 losses.
“I’ve learned there is strength in knowing when to walk away. Today, that means recognising the moment when you feel complete,” she said.
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Golden State has plenty on the line
Golden State, though, is playing for far more. The Valkyries (31-12) saw their six-game winning streak snapped on Tuesday, losing 90-82 in overtime to Portland after blowing a 17-point lead. The dream of top spot is gone. Even second place is in danger: a defeat on Thursday, coupled with a Las Vegas win over Phoenix, would put the Aces above them on the head-to-head tiebreak.
Coach Natalie Nakase did not try to sugarcoat it. “It’s time to watch the film and be honest with ourselves. How do we compete with much more energy? There’s nothing left to save,” she said after the loss to Portland.
The edge is there, but this is no formality
Golden State leads the season series 2-0 against Los Angeles, including a comfortable 78-58 home win in June. The most recent meeting, though, was far tighter. And Ogwumike has not lost a step in these matchups: 25 points and 14 rebounds across the first two games against the Valkyries this season. A two-time career scoring champion and the 2016 title winner with these same Sparks, she is closing the book on a chapter that began more than a decade ago in California colours.
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