Gritty Sparks bring new hope, winning effort during opening loss

The Sparks’ Dearica Hamby, Layshia Clarendon, Kia Nurse and Lexie Brown head to the bench for the team’s final timeout during their 92-81 loss to the Atlanta Dream at Walter Pyramid in Long Beach on Wednesday night. “We never quit, we really battled and showed our scrappiness that we’re going to be defined by this year,” Miller said, adding, “Overall it is a disappointing result … but what a great start in a lot of ways on what we’re trying to build as a culture and how we’re sharing it and moving it …something to grow from tonight.” The education was particularly intense for Brink, who shot well and defended hard and was a plus-8 for her 20 minutes … but the Sparks needed her for much more. Sparks guard Layshia Clarendon forces a jump ball against Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon with Sparks forward Cameron Brink assisting on defense during the fourth quarter at Walter Pyramid in Long Beach Wednesday. Comedian Leslie Jones hugs Magic Johnson during the Sparks’ season opener against the Atlanta Dream at Walter Pyramid in Long Beach Wednesday.