Sparks coach reveals what team will miss most after Cameron Brink injury

Brink’s torn ACL sidelines Sparks’ rookie star for the season.

Los Angeles Sparks rookie star Cameron Brink.

Los Angeles Sparks rookie star Cameron Brink.Instagram @cameronbrink22

Curt Miller, the head coach of the WNBA’s team, the Los Angeles Sparks, faced a tough blow on Tuesday night as his star rookie, Cameron Brink, suffered a season-ending torn ACL in her left knee. This unfortunate injury came after the team’s disappointing 10th loss against the Connecticut Sun. As if that wasn’t challenging enough, the team had to gear up for a tough game at the Barclays Center.

Reflecting on Brink’s absence, Miller expressed how it affects the team beyond the basketball court. In a pre-game press conference, he said: “Obviously a devastating circumstance of the injury. I think you’ve heard some of the players immediately talk about it. Cam’s (Cameron Brink) presence on the floor is one thing, but she has a positive vibe. A presence about her on a daily basis that brings joy and uplifts our team. It’s certainly something that we will miss.”

Brink, who won the Lisa Leslie Award in 2024, was a key player for the Sparks, contributing both offensively and defensively. Before her injury, she was averaging 8.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, showcasing her impact on the team’s performance. Her presence also significantly contributed to the overall chemistry of the squad.

Brink’s injury leaves Sparks searching for solutions

With Brink sidelined, Miller has been considering potential replacements for her role on the team. One promising candidate is Li Yueru, the backup center for the Sparks. Yueru has been making strides in her performance this season, demonstrating her potential during a game against Seattle where she scored a career-high 18 points. Additionally, she stepped up in Brink’s absence during the game against Connecticut, contributing 11 points while maintaining an impressive 5-of-6 field goals.

The team will undoubtedly miss Brink’s presence on and off the court, but Miller remains optimistic about the talent within the squad. The loss of Brink presents an opportunity for other players to step up and showcase their abilities in her absence.

As the Sparks navigate through this challenging period without Brink, Miller and the team are focused on finding ways to adapt and continue striving for success in the remainder of the season.