The Los Angeles Sparks had a busy training camp that saw several players getting waived. The most prominent of those names were Aari McDonald and Maria Kliundikova. The latter is playing in the playoffs right now, while the Sparks didn’t make the postseason. During the Lynx’s Game 3 against the Mercury, The Athletic’s Sabreena Merchant pinpointed one of those decisions as one of the reasons the Sparks bowed out of the playoffs.

“I’m just never going to forgive the Sparks for cutting Maria Kliundikova to keep Mercedes Russell. Cost them a playoff spot,” Merchant wrote on Bluesky.

Maria Kliundikova, who signed with the Minnesota Lynx after being waived by the Sparks, put together another strong game in the semifinals, reminding Sparks fans of her talent. She finished the game with 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 3 blocks in 18 minutes off the bench.

Kliundikova could have been impactful for the Sparks

The Sparks have a talented frontcourt rotation with Dearica Hamby, Azura Stevens, and Cameron Brink. The latter only played 19 games, though, and her minutes were limited since she returned from an ACL tear she suffered in her rookie season. So, the Sparks needed a backup center. They chose Mercedes Russell over Maria Kliundikova in training camp.

Russell, who had established herself as a rotational player over several seasons with the Seattle Storm, averaged 1.7 points and 1.2 rebounds in 8.2 minutes per game with the Sparks. It marked her worst statistical season yet, and she was waived in July.

Meanwhile, Kliundikova has been a reliable reserve for one of the best teams in the league. Backing up Napheesa Collier and Alanna Smith meant there weren’t a ton of minutes for her in Minnesota. Nevertheless, Kliundikova made an impact whenever she stepped onto the court, even at the highest level.

After barely playing in the first round, Kliundikova played eight minutes in Game 1 of the semifinals. She recorded 4 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals in just eight minutes and finished the game with the second-highest plus/minus on the team. She also did her best to keep the Lynx in Game 3 and Cheryl Reeve trusted her to play big minutes when Alanna Smith struggled. 

The Sparks could have used such a steady presence off the bench, especially defensively.

The Sparks will get another shot at the playoffs next season

After they traded a lottery pick for Kelsey Plum, it was quite obvious that the Sparks wanted to compete for a playoff spot. They had to deal with some injuries and the usual hiccups that come with bringing in a new head coach and star player, however. Even though they missed out on the playoffs, most players offered a positive outlook after the end of the season. If all the stars return in free agency, the Sparks will get another shot at the playoffs next season.