LOS ANGELES — Liatu King is making the most of her second chance with the Sparks.
“I’m trying to make every day count,” King said. “No day is guaranteed or promised for me.”
King was the organization’s third-round selection (28th overall) out of Notre Dame in last month’s WNBA draft. However, the rookie was waived during training camp.
After two games, the 6-foot forward was re-signed by the Sparks to a temporary hardship contract on May 20. She has instantly become a key reserve for a short-handed team by averaging 12.7 minutes off the bench in her first three games.
“When I get the minutes that I do get, I’m trying to be effective on defense,” King continued. “I’m trying to be effective on offense. I don’t necessarily need to score, but just going in there and getting offensive rebounds, that’s my niche, and that’s something that the team looks for me to do. That’s what I’m here for, and that’s what I’m trying to bring every day.”
King, who is playing the second-most minutes off the bench, is currently averaging 2 points and 3.3 rebounds (1.7 offensive rebounds).
Sparks coach Lynne Roberts praised King for her knack for creating extra offensive possessions. In turn, King is grateful for her role.
“I don’t have the pressure of needing to come in here and score 20-some points a game,” King explained. “The things that I need to do are things that I already do, so nothing changes with that.”
The Sparks (2-3) are looking to build off a double-digit victory when they close out a three-game homestand against the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday night at Crypto.com Arena.
The Sparks beat the Chicago Sky, 91-78, on Sunday afternoon, as Kelsey Plum and Azurá Stevens combined to score 52 points.
Plum is averaging a team-best 24.8 points and 5.6 assists per game.
“I’m doing whatever it takes to win,” Plum said. “Defensively, running a team, just being more intentional about getting us into stuff. As the season goes, I’ve learned in this league you have to continue to get better and adapt. … It’s a quick turnaround. We play Atlanta in less than 48 hours.”
Atlanta (3-2) is led by a quartet of All-Stars in guards Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, forward Brionna Jones and center Brittney Griner. Gray is averaging a team-high 19.4 points. Jones is averaging a double-double with 13.8 points and 11.6 rebounds.
“We just have to take care of ourselves,” Roberts said when asked to look ahead to Tuesday’s game. “Rest, rehab, doing all the things and like I said, win or lose, you have to re-attack because they come quick. Another chance to play at home. Another chance to get a win at home, but nothing is easy, so we have to be ready to roll.”
Stevens is averaging 17 points and 9.2 rebounds. The 6-foot-6 center is coming off a season-high 24 points against the Sky.
“Me and (Dearica) did a great job, too, of battling,” Stevens said. “We’re skinny, but we’re strong too, so we used that to our advantage.”
ATLANTA (3-2) AT SPARKS (2-3)
When: Tuesday, 7 p.m.
Where: Crypto.com Arena
TV: Spectrum SportsNet
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