Sparks look to build momentum against surging Valkyries

Defense and ball distribution continue to lead the way for the Golden State Valkyries, who will take their current surge into a road matchup against the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday.

The Valkyries (22-9) won for the ninth time in their past 11 games when they set a franchise record for assists in a 94-76 road victory over the Dallas Wings on Friday.

Veronica Burton had seven of Golden State's 27 assists and added a team-best 22 points. Gabby Williams had 19 points, while Kayla Thornton added 11 points and 10 rebounds.

"Our spacing is really good, and it's one of our strengths, so when we can get out and run and maintain our space, I think it gives me easy looks and my teammates are finding me," Burton said.

Not only did seven Valkyries players contribute multiple assists, but the defense held the Wings to a season-low 33.9% shooting from the floor.

"At the end of the day, we play really good team defense, and we never want anybody to feel like they are out on an island," Burton said. "... But there is always room for improvement."

The Valkyries enter Sunday's game in second place in the overall standings.

The Sparks enter off an impressive 89-82 road victory over the league-leading Minnesota Lynx (26-7) on Thursday. After a six-game losing streak, Los Angeles is now 2-1 since star guard Kelsey Plum was moved to the Phoenix Mercury at the trade deadline.

Rae Burrell scored 17 points for the Sparks, while Nneka Ogwumike and Dearica Hamby each added 16. Los Angeles trailed 48-40 at halftime before holding Minnesota to 34 points in the second half.

The Sparks (12-18) had a 23-11 advantage in the fourth quarter, when they held the Lynx to 27.8% shooting. Cameron Brink was the anchor of the defense, going the entire way in the fourth, with two blocked shots and four rebounds.

"It's good to play to our potential," Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts said. "I thought Cam was a phenomenal difference maker. Cam's length was a factor down the stretch."

Brink helped hold Lynx star forward Napheesa Collier to two fourth-quarter points after she scored 19 over the first three quarters.

In ninth place in the overall standings, the Sparks are well within reach of a top-eight spot and a playoff berth after missing the postseason for the past five seasons.

--Field Level Media