The Los Angeles Sparks are currently at the bottom of the WNBA standings. Despite their position, their recent 94-88 victory over the first-place New York Liberty on Wednesday demonstrates their determination to remain competitive this season, not just focusing on the future.

"If I have to hear the word 'tank' one more time," Los Angeles coach Curt Miller stated, addressing speculation about the 7-24 Sparks intentionally losing to improve their draft position for 2025. "I mean, we are striving to get better, and we are building something special. No team in this league will give up. With the two-year aggregate record [for draft lottery purposes], it's absurd to even discuss it."

Miller was referring to the fact that the WNBA draft lottery odds are determined by team performance over the previous two seasons, not just the current one.

Moreover, since eight out of the league's twelve teams qualify for the playoffs, it's not unusual for all teams to remain in contention, at least theoretically, until the later stages of the season.

New York, who were without their starting forward Jonquel Jones (due to illness), remain at 26-6 but have lost two of their last three games. Prior to these losses, the Liberty had enjoyed a winning streak of eight games and won 13 out of their last 14.

The Sparks lost longtime star Nneka Ogwumike to free agency before the season. Then, 2024 No. 2 overall draft pick Cameron Brink suffered a season-ending knee injury in June. Los Angeles was not predicted to be a playoff team and has missed the playoffs for the past three consecutive years.

However, Miller emphasized the progress of No. 4 draft pick Rickea Jackson , who scored 19 points on Wednesday for the Sparks, and the positive spirit of his team as encouraging signs.

Prior to their victory on Wednesday, Los Angeles had suffered seven consecutive losses. Their previous game on Sunday, where they scored an impressive 110 points, ended in a defeat against Dallas, who managed to score 113. Besides the Sparks, both Dallas and Washington, who have a limited number of wins, have managed to upset teams currently in playoff contention in the last two days.

"The margin between winning and losing in this league is incredibly small," Miller remarked, "There are incredibly talented players across the board. Any team has the potential to defeat any other."