LOS ANGELES — Cameron Brink was all smiles and dancing in the pre-game huddle, clearly thrilled to be back after more than a year away from basketball. The Los Angeles Sparks forward returned to action Tuesday night, her first game since tearing her left ACL in June 2024, and what head coach Lynne Roberts calls her “happy place.”
Brink logged 13 minutes in the Sparks’ 89-74 loss to the Las Vegas Aces, ending their five-game win streak. She scored once on three attempts, added two free throws, collected three rebounds, and contributed an assist, a steal, a block, and a turnover. Coming off the bench, she received a warm ovation as she entered late in the first quarter.
“I really missed being out there,” Brink said. “Competing and giving it everything I have that’s what I love most. It felt amazing to play again and share the court with my teammates.”
She wasted no time making an impact snagging an offensive board and assisting Rickea Jackson, then drilling a 3-pointer in front of courtside stars like Russell Westbrook, DeMar DeRozan, and comedian Leslie Jones.
“That first shot really took the pressure off,” Brink said. “My teammates were incredibly supportive guiding me when I forgot plays and making me feel at ease.”
Even when not playing, Brink stayed active on the bench, enthusiastically cheering for her team. Coach Roberts was impressed: “She looked more comfortable than I expected, especially after such a long layoff.”
Before her injury, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 draft was averaging 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. Now, she’s gradually ramping up her fitness.
“I’m not as quick as I was, but I’m progressing little by little,” she said, noting she’s still easing back into full team practices.
Kelsey Plum praised Brink’s presence. “What she did tonight was impressive. She’s only going to get better, particularly on defense. We really needed that.”
Brink will remain on a minutes restriction for now, but she’s hopeful to soon reach 20–25 minutes per game.
Reflecting on her time sidelined, she said she picked up new insights about the game but mostly, she just missed playing.
“I’m glad that chapter’s over,” she said. “Now I can focus on doing my job again.”
With over 20 friends and family members in the crowd, Brink felt the love. “It was a perfect day 10 out of 10,” she said. “I’ll never forget it.”
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