The Los Angeles Sparks lost to the Golden State Valkyries in overtime on June 9. The 89-81 win by the Valkyries was a massive win for the expansion team, which was pushing itself to the limits and showing its hunger for the win. Ironically, it was the last game for Julie Vanloo played in the Valkyries jersey, as she switched to the Sparks on her return to the ‘W’.
The Valkyries released her the day she returned from her international duties. The Sparks quickly took the opportunity to sign the talented youngster. After three games into the season for the LA side, the 32-year-old star is influencing the game.
Julie Vanloo Talks About Her Career-High Night
The LA Sparks were up against the league leaders, the Minnesota Lynx. The game went down to the wire with the Sparks looking to come back from a 21-point deficit in the final quarter. Kelsey Plum and Dearica Hamby led the line for the hosts, while the Belgian star provided an early push with her three-pointer.
She continued to dazzle against tough Lynx defense, putting her side in the hunt for a win. Sadly, the flurry went in vain as the visitors wrapped up their 18th win of the season with a 91-82 scoreline at the Crypto.com Arena. However, Vanloo had a career night, netting five three-pointers and scoring a season-high 15 points.
“I was really at rock bottom a week ago, and I got picked up… And I’m just so happy. I just want to play basketball… I want to help the team, and that’s what I’m here for,” Vanloo said in a post-game interview.
Entering the WNBA in 2024, the European guard looked to settle in quickly. The Washington Mystics left her unprotected as a free agent, allowing the Valkyries to add her to their expansion roster. But the franchise released her after just nine games with the side. She is now playing for the Sparks and adjusting to the new team and gameplay again.
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LA Sparks HC Already Impressed By Julie Vanloo
This is not the first time the Sparks franchise has seen the Euro champion dazzle on the court. The side played against her four times this season—three regular-season games and one preseason game. With a 2-2 record in those four meetings, the three-time champions saw her as a perfect fit for their team.
She averaged six points, three rebounds, and three assists in regular-season meetings. She was in the spotlight when she scored four consecutive three-pointers in the season opener against them.
Sparks HC Lynne Roberts had her eyes set on the player. As soon as Vanloo was available on the market, she asked the GM to sign her. While she could still be a backup guard for Kelsey Plum, her impact with the second unit will be important for the Sparks to stay competitive in games.
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