Cameron Brink is officially back on the court, but it is not going to be an easy return. After an eight-game absence, Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts announced Wednesday that Brink will be suited up for the noon tip-off against the WNBA-best Minnesota Lynx at Target Center, though she will be on a strict minutes restriction.
A Much-Needed Boost for the Banged-Up Sparks
Brink has been sidelined for a whole month, ever since she went down with a left ankle injury during a loss to the Golden State Valkyries. You know that kind of absence just kills a team's rhythm. Her return is a massive shot in the arm for a Sparks squad that is seriously banged up right now, especially with All-Star point guard Kelsey Plum still out with her own lower leg injury.Immediate Test: Rebounding, Rim Protection, and a WNBA-Best Opponent
Coach Roberts told reporters she is "thrilled" to have Brink available, but the minutes restriction is definitely a concern when you are facing the WNBA-best Lynx. Roberts is looking for immediate impact, specifically calling out "presence, rebounding and rim protection" against Olivia Miles and the tough Lynx squad. And let's be real, the Lynx already owned them last month in their first matchup. Brink's defensive rating this season, a 109, is the worst of her three-year career, even though she is still one of the league's top shot-blockers with 1.5 rejections per game. She is going to have to shake off that rust fast. On the offensive end, Brink has been putting up a career-best 9.2 points in 17.5 minutes per game. Her shooting from the floor is solid at 53.8 percent, and her 3-point game, 34.4 percent, is the best mark of her 48-game pro career. So, when she is in there, she can definitely contribute. The question is how much she can give them on limited time. So, all eyes will be on Target Center today at noon. Can Brink bring that much-needed defensive presence and scoring punch in her limited minutes? Her re-entry into the lineup against a top-tier opponent like the Lynx is a real test right out of the gate. This comeback needs to be strong for the Sparks, especially with Plum still out. Let's see if she can get them back on track.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.