WNBA teams that could make playoffs with a push
In a way-too-early playoff discussion, the Studio IX crew breaks down which teams need to push right now in the season to make it to the playoffs.
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Los Angeles Sparks center Cameron Brink did not finish Thursday’s 85-81 loss to the New York Liberty.
At the six-minute mark of the fourth quarter, Brink was guarding Breanna Stewart as she drove to the basket. Stewart lowered her shoulder and pushed out her arm, making contact with Brink’s midsection. Brink immediately grabbed her midsection, appearing to wail in pain as she fell to the floor.
Stewart was called for an offensive foul on the play and Brink remained down in a crouched position on her knees for several moments, holding on to her midsection. It was unclear what the specific injury was. The Los Angeles center was eventually able to get to her feet, but she was helped off the court. Brink did not return for the rest of the matchup.
Brink, who played 19 minutes, finished with nine points, seven rebounds, three blocks, two assists and a steal. She is averaging a career-high 9.1 points, adding 4.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks.
This is the latest injury for the Sparks center.
On June 15, she sprained her ankle against the Golden State Valkyries. “It’s a good ankle sprain,” Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said June 17. “I don’t anticipate her being back (soon).” Brink missed a month of play, returning on July 15 against the Minnesota Lynx.
The former No. 2 overall pick started 15 games for the franchise in 2024, but a season-ending ACL injury in her left knee cut her rookie season short. At the time of her injury, the former Stanford product was averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 2.3 blocks per game.
When Brink returned in 2025, she struggled to find her offensive rhythm through 19 games. The Sparks center didn’t start any games last year, averaging roughly five points and four rebounds in just under 13 minutes of action.