Connecticut Sun Defeats Los Angeles Sparks 85-77
Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · TD Garden
Connecticut Sun 85, Los Angeles Sparks 77, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Los Angeles Sparks vs Connecticut Sun?
Connecticut Sun beat Los Angeles Sparks 85-77 at TD Garden on August 18, 2026.
Who was favored in Los Angeles Sparks vs Connecticut Sun?
Los Angeles Sparks were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -130 (about 57% implied). The underdog won.
In a crucial matchup in the WNBA, the Connecticut Sun secured a victory against the Los Angeles Sparks with a final score of 85-77. This win marks the Sun's ability to clinch the series against the Sparks, finishing with a 2-1 record in their meetings this season. The game took place at TD Garden, where the Sun aimed to improve their home record after struggling throughout the season.
The Connecticut Sun entered the game with a home record of 9-25 and had been experiencing a challenging stretch, with a record of 3-7 in their last ten games. They were on a two-game losing streak, averaging 79.1 points scored while allowing 89.2 points in those matches. Their recent games included a loss to the New York Liberty (75-82) and a significant defeat against the Atlanta Dream (69-104). Despite these challenges, the Sun managed to pull through in this matchup, demonstrating resilience against the Sparks.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Sparks came into the game with a record of 12-23. They had a dismal run recently, winning only 2 of their last 10 games, which included a four-game losing streak. The Sparks averaged 87.2 points scored and allowed 91.0 points during this stretch. Their last two games resulted in losses against the Washington Mystics (70-80) and the New York Liberty (81-85). This match against the Sun was crucial for the Sparks, as they sought to break their losing streak and gain momentum heading into the final stretch of the season.
Both teams faced significant injury challenges. The Connecticut Sun were missing several key players, including Rayah Marshall, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Brittney Griner, Kennedy Burke, and Leila Lacan, all of whom were out for various reasons. The Los Angeles Sparks also had Aaliyah Nye unavailable due to non-injury-related issues. These absences undoubtedly impacted both teams' strategies and performances on the court.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had the Sparks favored by 1.5 points, with a total set at 170.5. The moneyline indicated the Sparks at -130 and the Sun at +110, reflecting the expectations surrounding the matchup. The odds suggested a closely contested game, which ultimately played out as the Sun managed to secure the win.
Throughout the game, viewers witnessed a competitive contest, with both teams exchanging leads. The Sun's ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities in the fourth quarter proved decisive. Key moments included layups from Kennedy Burke and Nneka Ogwumike, but the Sun maintained their composure and extended their lead late in the game. Rae Burrell's contributions from the free-throw line helped solidify the Sun's advantage as they closed out the match.
As the game progressed, the atmosphere at TD Garden reflected the intensity of the competition. The Sun's victory not only provided a much-needed boost to their morale but also showcased their potential to compete despite their struggles earlier in the season. The Sparks, however, will need to regroup and address their recent form as they prepare for their upcoming games.
In summary, the Connecticut Sun's 85-77 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks highlighted their determination to overcome adversity, while the Sparks will look to find solutions to their ongoing challenges as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | LA -1.5 | 170.5 o -110 / u -110 | Los Angeles Sparks -130 · Connecticut Sun +110 |
Injury report
- Rayah MarshallOutCoach's DecisionConnecticut Sun
- Olivia Nelson-OdodaOutKneeConnecticut Sun
- Brittney GrinerOutKneeConnecticut Sun
- Kennedy BurkeOutNot Injury RelatedConnecticut Sun
- Leila LacanOutNot Injury RelatedConnecticut Sun
- Aaliyah NyeOutNot Injury RelatedLos Angeles Sparks
Leaders
- PointsOlivia Nelson-Ododa18Connecticut Sun
- AssistsLeila Lacan10Connecticut Sun
- ReboundsOlivia Nelson-Ododa11Connecticut Sun
- PointsRae Burrell19Los Angeles Sparks
- AssistsRae Burrell6Los Angeles Sparks
- ReboundsNneka Ogwumike7Los Angeles Sparks
Recent form
Connecticut Sun
Last 10: 3-7Streak L279.1 scored · 89.2 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L75-82vs New York LibertyAug 15
- L69-104vs Atlanta DreamAug 13
- W75-72vs Phoenix MercuryAug 7
- L63-83at Dallas WingsAug 2
- L88-94at Chicago SkyJul 31
- L84-92at Washington MysticsJul 28
- L88-123at Indiana FeverJul 23
- L63-72at Phoenix MercuryJul 19
- W96-83at Phoenix MercuryJul 18
- W90-87vs Portland FireJul 14
Los Angeles Sparks
Last 10: 2-8Streak L487.2 scored · 91 allowed per game2-4 away
- L70-80at Washington MysticsAug 15
- L81-85at New York LibertyAug 14
- L87-94vs Phoenix MercuryAug 12
- L78-84vs Golden State ValkyriesAug 9
- W89-82at Minnesota LynxAug 7
- L88-95at Chicago SkyAug 6
- W106-101at Portland FireAug 2
- L109-113vs New York LibertyJul 29
- L82-86vs Phoenix MercuryJul 22
- L82-90at Dallas WingsJul 19
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
| Atlanta | - | 14 | W1 | .650 | 26 |
| Indiana | - | 14 | W2 | .650 | 26 |
| New York | 2 | 16 | W1 | .600 | 24 |
| Washington | 2 | 16 | L1 | .600 | 24 |
| Chicago | 11 | 25 | L3 | .375 | 15 |
| Toronto | 15 | 29 | L4 | .275 | 11 |
| Connecticut | 16 | 30 | L3 | .250 | 10 |
Box score
| Stat | Los Angeles Sparks | Connecticut Sun |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 29-64 | 36-71 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 51 |
| Three-pointers | 2-16 | 4-12 |
| Three-point % | 13 | 33 |
| Free throws | 17-23 | 9-11 |
| Free throw % | 74 | 82 |
| Rebounds | 29 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 10 |
| Defensive rebounds | 19 | 23 |
| Assists | 18 | 23 |
| Steals | 12 | 12 |
| Blocks | 4 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 16 | 17 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 2 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 2 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 21 | 21 |
| Fast-break points | 9 | 23 |
| Points in the paint | 48 | 54 |
| Fouls | 15 | 19 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 21 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter40-48Olivia Nelson-Ododa makes driving layup (Leila Lacan assists)
- 3rd Quarter40-49Olivia Nelson-Ododa makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter40-52Kennedy Burke makes 27-foot running jump shot (Leila Lacan assists)
- 3rd Quarter40-54Diamond Miller makes running layup
- 3rd Quarter40-56Olivia Nelson-Ododa makes 3-foot layup (Leila Lacan assists)
- 3rd Quarter42-56Nneka Ogwumike makes 14-foot jumper (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 3rd Quarter45-56Ariel Atkins makes 26-foot three point jumper (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 3rd Quarter45-59Kennedy Burke makes 24-foot three point jumper (Charlisse Leger-Walker assists)
- 3rd Quarter45-61Kennedy Burke makes 4-foot layup (Charlisse Leger-Walker assists)
- 3rd Quarter47-61Nneka Ogwumike makes 18-foot jumper (Rae Burrell assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-61Nneka Ogwumike makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Chance Gray assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-64Kennedy Burke makes 25-foot three point jumper (Charlisse Leger-Walker assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-66Charlisse Leger-Walker makes two point shot (Saniya Rivers assists)
- 3rd Quarter49-68Kennedy Burke makes 1-foot layup (Charlisse Leger-Walker assists)
- 3rd Quarter51-68Rae Burrell makes 5-foot two point shot
- 3rd Quarter51-70Nell Angloma makes 1-foot layup (Saniya Rivers assists)
- 3rd Quarter53-70Tonie Morgan makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter53-72Saniya Rivers makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter54-72Ariel Atkins makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter55-72Ariel Atkins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter57-72Rae Burrell makes 6-foot driving floating jump shot
- 4th Quarter57-74Raegan Beers makes driving layup (Leila Lacan assists)
- 4th Quarter57-76Ashlon Jackson makes running layup (Leila Lacan assists)
- 4th Quarter57-78Saniya Rivers makes 12-foot step back jumpshot (Diamond Miller assists)
- 4th Quarter59-78Nneka Ogwumike makes 14-foot running pullup jump shot
- 4th Quarter61-78Emma Cannon makes running layup (Ariel Atkins assists)
- 4th Quarter62-78Emma Cannon makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter64-78Dearica Hamby makes driving layup (Chance Gray assists)
- 4th Quarter66-78Dearica Hamby makes 3-foot layup (Rae Burrell assists)
- 4th Quarter66-80Leila Lacan makes 7-foot two point shot
- 4th Quarter66-81Leila Lacan makes free throw 1 of 1
- 4th Quarter68-81Rae Burrell makes driving layup (Chance Gray assists)
- 4th Quarter70-81Dearica Hamby makes layup (Rae Burrell assists)
- 4th Quarter70-83Kennedy Burke makes alley oop layup (Charlisse Leger-Walker assists)
- 4th Quarter72-83Nneka Ogwumike makes layup (Rae Burrell assists)
- 4th Quarter72-85Kennedy Burke makes 2-foot layup (Leila Lacan assists)
- 4th Quarter73-85Rae Burrell makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter74-85Rae Burrell makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter76-85Chance Gray makes running layup
- 4th Quarter77-85Emma Cannon makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Connecticut Sun, below favours Los Angeles Sparks.
Venue
- TD GardenBoston, MA
- Attendance16378
- OfficialsTiara Cruse, Kelsey Reynolds, Sarah Williams
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