Sparks complete preseason sweep with win over Fire in Portland

It is preseason so something to watch out for in this style of play is turnovers. The Sparks had 20 turnovers in each of their two preseason games. These should cut down as the regular season gets into gear, the chemistry gets better, and the rotations tighten.

“The knife cuts both ways. I want them to play with pace (and) freedom," Roberts said before the game. "We have structure in how we play and there’s rules. But there’s also player freedom and (in) earlier games, you’re going to see more of that. You can’t tell them to play with pace and freedom and then scream and yell when they turn it over. That’s counterintuitive. A lot of it is just getting the chemistry. I think we’re deeper this year. I think we have a roster that is naturally going to take care of the ball a little bit better. 20 turnovers is way too many."

But other than turnovers, the offense seems connected. 22 of their 26 field goals were assisted. Furthermore, they went to the line 32 times (sinking 24 of those free throws).

"Offensively, we’re always (just) going to be about pace and space and shot quality," Roberts said about the offense. "We led the league in pace last year. We were top two or three in every offensive category, which is awesome. We don’t want to stray from that. So (we'll) just dig in and be better at those things than we were last year. It doesn’t matter who we’re playing (or) what point in the season, whether it’s preseason or playoffs (or) everything between; we’re going to be about pace, space and taking the best shots we can."

Ogwumike led the team with 17 points while Dearica Hamby and Kelsey Plum each had 13. Rae Burrell led in plus-minus with +24 as she continues to affect the game for the Sparks in other ways. Nyadiew Pouch and Serah Williams each had 12 for the injury-riddled Fire.

The exhibition games are done and the real thing starts for the Sparks on Sunday, May 10th as they take on the reigning, defending champion Las Vegas Aces in their season opener at home.