Before her ACL tear last year, Brink only played 15 games in a Sparks uniform. And though her rookie campaign ended prematurely, she had already begun establishing herself as a core part of the lineup, averaging 7.5 points and 5.3 rebounds per game. She also contributed 2.3 blocks – her specialty.
She’d become a fan favorite just as quickly, with cohorts of energized fans sporting No. 22 jerseys days after they appeared on sale.
Even after her season-ending injury, Brink remained a clearly important presence for the Sparks, in attendance for all games, animated, involved, and often the first person to pop up from the bench after a great play.
Thirteen months after her injury, as fans took their seats in the arena, the Sparks’ announcer read the injury report as it was projected onto the jumbotron. “We report: NO INJURIES” was met with resounding applause, a borderline standing ovation. (Later in the game, after the Sparks mascot Sparky was hit with friendly fire from a Sparks dancer, they amended the injury report appropriately.)
“We’re thrilled to have her back,” Coach Lynne Roberts told reporters before the game. “I’m incredibly proud of her. She’s on a minutes restriction, so don’t come being angry with me when she doesn’t play as much as you’d like. But you know, I told her that she needs to enjoy the moment. You know, 12 months ago, she was doing leg extensions with no weights on them.”
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The Sparks certainly had to shake off some dust to start the game, falling behind 26-9 to start and losing the first quarter 31-18. Three-time MVP A’ja Wilson was the main culprit, converting all eight shots for the Aces.
Brink entered the game with 2:39 left to go in the first quarter, and by the 1:39 mark, she had already recorded an offensive rebound, an assist, and a three point make – a momentum shift that was met with a huge grin from Brink, and a hug between her parents, who were in attendance behind the Sparks’ bench.
“It’s a hard injury to come back from, mentally, physically, and she’s done it with a smile on her face,” Roberts said. “The expectation is for her to get out there and enjoy the moment, let the game come to her a little bit. You know, she doesn’t have to score 20 – but would be great if she did.” She went on to say that while she expects some anxiousness and nerves, she was glad she was getting to make her debut at home, with fans who were thrilled to see her back on the court.
“I’ve always taken mental health really seriously,” Brink told reporters pregame, adding that she had leaned on her family and friends amid her comeback, as well as a sports psychologist and a psychiatrist.
“It’s a mind game,” Roberts said, “because the progress is so slow. […] You’ve got to be mentally tough,” thanking the medical staff for their support during Brink’s rehabilitation.
Brink went on to play 14 minutes against the Aces, finishing with five points, three rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a block (much to the excitement of the Sparks bench). She was tasked with guarding Wilson in her first game back – a formidable ask, but of Wilson’s 34 points, only six were scored during Brink’s 14 minutes of play. Drives decreased, and post play noticeably became less dominant – Brink’s defensive presence was already felt.
“Her defense into our rotation is going to be really critical as we enter the second half here,” Roberts said pregame, noting that she’s impactful in the paint even when she’s not blocking shots, citing her ability as a rim protector in changing how the other team approaches the rim. Brink’s teammate and fellow 2024 draft pick Rickea Jackson shared this sentiment, telling reporters, “She’s intimidating at the rim. […] It kind of changes your game.” She added, “Nobody wants to challenge her, nobody wants to go against her.”
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After the game, Roberts said, “To be honest, she was more comfortable out there than I anticipated her to be.”
Veteran guard Kelsey Plum added, “I was really proud of her. I told her after the game, ‘Cam, it’s very impressive to come in and make the impact that you did.’”
Plum noted that Brink hasn’t gotten a ton of practice with the full team, given the packed in-season schedule. “Cam’s a competitor, and I love that,” she added. “I think she’s going to continue to help us a ton, especially defensively.”
While the Sparks fell flat against the Aces on Tuesday, they’re carrying the hope from their road win streak and Brink’s return into their upcoming games against Seattle and Indiana. “It’s a great time to add a great player to our roster,” said Roberts.
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