Sparks coach blunt on why Cam Brink is being benched

Sep 11, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink (22) left the game with a bloddy nose after going for a rebound in the first half against the Las Vegas Aces at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Sparks’ season opener went about as poorly as possible, as Sparks guard Kelsey Plum and company lost 105-78 to the team that she began her career with, the Las Vegas Aces. For her part, Plum had an extremely impressive individual showing, scoring 27 points on 10-for-18 shooting, including 4-for-8 from the field.

It’s clear that for the Sparks to succeed, Plum is going to need some help, especially in the front court, considering she’s an undersized guard. Forward/ Center Cam Brink figures to be the perfect fit for Los Angeles and completion to Plum, but shockingly, Brink struggled immensely.

In just 12 minutes of action, Brink didn’t score a single point, committed three turnovers, and added three fouls.

After the game, Sparks head coach Lynee Roberts was incredibly blunt about why Brink isn’t playing more.

“I mean, we need Cam to produce. We need Cam to bring that defensive energy,” Roberts said. “We have so much confidence and belief in her. She’s got to get out on the floor with some confidence and do what she’s capable of doing. But we’re going to need her.”

“Part of the beginning of Season 2 is figuring out rotations and chemistry and all the things,” Roberts added. “We looked like we just didn’t have a lot of floor chemistry out there. Vegas did. They’ve also played together for years, right? And it’s not an excuse, but it’s just a reality.”

Roberts knows Los Angeles will need Brink moving forward, and is counting on her to rise to meet the expectations.

“So we’re going to need Cam. She’s going to be a big part of our success, have every bit of belief in her.”

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