It’s hard to replace what former Sparks franchise player Nneka Ogwumike contributed to the organization. But adding Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackon in this year’s draft is a good start. Their WNBA debuts were sneaky good, and the future is bright in Los Angeles.
The Sparks did not win Wednesday night’s showdown with the Atlanta Dream. A huge fourth quarter by Atlanta spoiled what was a rather impressive effort from veterans Kia Nurse, Dearica Hamby and Layshia Clarendon — who had a stupendous triple-double. However, what also shouldn’t be lost in the storyline is how dynamic Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson were.
Brink finished her night with 11 points, four assists and two blocks, shooting 66 percent on field goals while adding TWO huge shots from beyond the arc. Jackson had a bit quieter night with just seven points and 3 rebounds, but a heads-up buzzer-beating steal and score during the second quarter proved she can turn it on when the Sparks need it most.
The rooks came ready to play! Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson both contributed big for the @LASparks tonight in their debut 🙌
CAM STATS: 11 PTS (2-3 3PM), 4 AST, 2 BLKS
RICKEA STATS: 7 PTS, 3 REBS pic.twitter.com/JVGLjiArt0— WNBA (@WNBA) May 16, 2024
What makes their debuts so impressive is that they’re only going to get better, and it’s going to make the moment when Rickea eventually works her way into the starting lineup with Cameron — it’s going to happen — that much sweeter.
Rickea Jackson on playing with Cameron Brink:
“I know if I get beat off the dribble, Cam is going to swat it into the second row.” #WNBADraft @WNBA @ForTheWin pic.twitter.com/GJaMlF9vj1
— Meghan L. Hall (@ItsMeghanLHall) April 16, 2024
