Man, the Sparks went into 2026 saying they were all about that playoff push, ending a five-year drought. Didn’t happen. They even moved Kelsey Plum earlier this month. But honestly, forget all that noise for a second, because third-year big Cameron Brink is absolutely going off right now and making a serious run for Sixth Player of the Year. We’re talking about a player reminding everyone why she was the second overall pick in 2024, right after Caitlin Clark. You gotta love that.
Brink’s Numbers Are Just Different Lately
Seriously, what Brink is doing on the court lately is unreal. Just last Friday, she absolutely balled out, helping the Sparks snatch an 88-82 upset win against the playoff-bound Washington Mystics. She put up 13 points, grabbed five rebounds, and blocked two shots in just 26 minutes. That’s a huge performance! And it’s not a fluke either. Look at her last five games when she’s getting 20 minutes or more: she’s averaging 12.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and a monstrous 2.2 blocks. That kind of defensive impact, paired with her scoring, is game-changing.
From Draft Gem to Future Core
Yeah, the Sparks have been a bit of a mess this season, no denying it. Injuries, uncertain direction, it’s all definitely hampered Brink’s development at times. But she’s just been carving out an essential role, and it’s crystal clear she’s getting more comfortable every single night. For the first time ever, she’s shooting better than 50 percent from the floor, which is a massive leap. And get this: her 33.8 percent success rate from downtown? That’s a career-best, showing how much her game is growing. She’s proving why she was coveted so highly coming out of Stanford. This isn’t just a flash in the pan; this is real progress.
Okay, so the Sparks might only have four wins in their last 18 games. Rough, I know. But here’s the thing: the second half of this 2026 season has given us a legit look at what this team’s next core should be. And let’s be real, when Cameron Brink is healthy, she is absolutely, 100 percent worth building around. You watch her play, you see the vision. She’s got that undeniable star potential. We’ve got to look forward to seeing her continue to dominate, because if these recent performances are any indication, the future is bright with her leading the charge.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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