Sparks' Cameron Brink is making a late awards push with great string of performances

The Los Angeles Sparks entered 2026 intent on making a playoff push and ending a five-year postseason drought.

Though the Sparks didn't meet that goal and ended up trading franchise point guard Kelsey Plum earlier this month, Los Angeles has gotten a better look at its future -- which should include third-year big Cameron Brink.

Brink is making a late push for Sixth Player of the Year consideration amid a string of strong recent performances. The former second overall pick is reminding viewers why she was coveted so highly coming out of Stanford in 2024, when the Sparks selected her just behind Caitlin Clark.

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Injuries and the Sparks' uncertain direction have hampered Brink's development, but she is carving out an important role in Los Angeles. She reaffirmed that position in helping the Sparks to an 88-82 upset win over the playoff-bound Washington Mystics on Friday.

In 26 minutes, Brink scored 13 points, hauled in five rebounds and recorded two blocks. Over the past five games in which she has played 20 minutes or more, Brink is averaging 12.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.2 blocks.

For the first time, Brink is shooting better than 50 percent from the floor, and her 33.8 success rate from 3-point range also is a career-best.

The Sparks might have only four wins from their past 18 games, but the second half of 2026 has given Los Angeles valuable insight into what its next core should look like.

That core should include Brink, who -- when healthy -- is more than worth counting on.

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