The WNBA’s Sparks: Can Plum & Hamby’s Pick-and-Roll Chemistry Unlock Championship Contention?
The Los Angeles Sparks are at a crossroads. Currently 2-6, their season isn’t spiraling, but it’s undeniably underperforming expectations. While a rough start and missing rotational pieces contribute to the struggles, the success of their two stars – Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby – is the key to turning things around. Their pick-and-roll game, the foundation of the Sparks’ offense, is showing flashes of brilliance, but also revealing critical areas for improvement that will determine whether they contend or continue to languish.
Decoding the Plum-Hamby Synergy
Kelsey Plum, in her first season with the Sparks, is averaging a stellar 22.9 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.5 steals, shooting 37% from three-point range. She’s the team’s leading scorer, playmaker, and defensive disruptor. Hamby, meanwhile, is seamlessly continuing her All-Star form from last year, contributing 17.6 points and 7.9 rebounds per game. However, individual brilliance only goes so far. The Sparks’ ceiling hinges on how effectively Plum and Hamby collaborate, specifically within their pick-and-roll actions.
The duo typically initiates offense at the top of the key, with Plum setting a back screen before receiving a handoff. This creates immediate defensive compromises. As seen in game footage, Plum’s drive off the screen can open up three-point opportunities for teammates like Odyssey Sims. Another variation involves a pocket pass from Plum to Hamby rolling to the basket.
Timing is Everything: The Current Hurdles
Despite the potential, the timing isn’t always there. A slight delay in Hamby holding the screen allows defenders to recover, disrupting the flow and preventing open looks. This lack of synchronization prevents the defense from being forced into rotations, a crucial element for unlocking the offense. Even when the execution is close, as evidenced by near misses, the potential for a high-powered offense is clear. When Plum effectively engages the opposing big, it creates a downhill attack opportunity for Hamby.
Sparks head coach Lynne Roberts recognizes the need for adjustment. “They obviously have on-the-court chemistry together,” Roberts stated. “They look for each other out there which is great. I think both of them are going to have to adjust a little bit to where, because they are the other team’s defensive focus, they’re going to have to get other people involved in those pick and rolls too.” This is a critical point: opposing defenses are collapsing on Plum and Hamby, necessitating a more inclusive approach.
Leveraging Strengths and Expanding the Playbook
The Sparks are already experimenting with ways to leverage their stars’ strengths. For example, utilizing Hamby’s screen to free up Plum for open three-pointers, even when Plum is having an off shooting night (as she was against the Mercury, going 2-10 from beyond the arc). Hamby also showcases her unique ball-handling ability with “keep” actions, faking the handoff and attacking the defense herself. These plays, while not always resulting in immediate points, are vital building blocks for future success.
However, consistent execution requires repetition and refinement, particularly against strong defenses. As Plum herself acknowledged, “I don’t think we connected that well tonight…Sometimes you’re not seeing it in the game and you go back and it makes sense.” The Mercury’s defensive strategy of dropping to the level of the ball and tagging the roller proved effective, contributing to the Sparks’ dismal 0-15 shooting performance from three-point range in the second half.
Beyond the Numbers: The Net Rating Reality
Currently, lineups featuring both Plum and Hamby have a neutral 0.4 net rating, a slight improvement over the team’s overall -2.6 net rating. While positive, this isn’t enough to consistently win games. With only eight games played, there’s ample time for their connection to develop. Improving their pick and roll execution, and incorporating other players into the action, is paramount. The faster they achieve this synergy, the quicker the Sparks can climb the WNBA standings.
The Sparks’ situation highlights a common challenge for teams with two dominant players: how to maximize their impact while simultaneously involving the rest of the roster. Successfully navigating this balance will be the defining factor in their season. The potential is undeniable, but potential alone isn’t enough. It requires consistent effort, strategic adjustments, and a commitment to playing as a cohesive unit.
What adjustments do you think the Sparks need to make to unlock their full offensive potential? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
