Fri Jul 25 00:00:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article:

**Summary:**

Rickea Jackson, after a slow start to her second WNBA season with the Los Angeles Sparks, has broken out in recent games. Her increased aggression and improved shot selection have led to a surge in scoring, averaging 18.4 points over the last five games. This resurgence coincides with the Sparks playing their best basketball of the season, winning four of their last five games. Her defensive contributions have also been noted by the coach. With Jackson performing at this higher level and Cameron Brink’s imminent return, the Sparks’ playoff chances are significantly improved. Jackson’s performance could be the key to ending the team’s playoff drought.

**News Article:**

**Rickea Jackson’s Hot Streak Sparks Winning Surge for Los Angeles Sparks**

LOS ANGELES – After a sluggish start to the season, second-year forward Rickea Jackson has ignited a fire under the Los Angeles Sparks, leading the team to a much-needed winning streak. Jackson’s improved play, characterized by increased aggressiveness and sharper shot selection, has propelled the Sparks to victories in four of their last five games, their best stretch since 2023.

Jackson, coming off an All-Rookie season, struggled in the first two months of the season, failing to capitalize on the momentum she built in the offseason. However, over the past five games, the Sparks player has been dominant, averaging 18.4 points on an impressive 51% shooting from the field. She also added 3.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game during this period.

“Just being aggressive from the jump, getting downhill,” Jackson said, describing her recent success. “I feel like that’s when I’m playing my best basketball…not overthinking and just taking what the defense gives me, but doing it with pace.”

Her performance was on full display in the Sparks’ recent 93-86 road win against the Washington Mystics, where Jackson exploded for 20 points in just 20 minutes in the second half. She also shot 50% from beyond the arc.

Sparks Head Coach Lynne Roberts praised Jackson’s defensive contributions in the Washington game. “Defensively [she] was fantastic,” Roberts said. “She guarded [Sonia] Citron a lot, down the stretch was on [Brittney] Sykes and…she did a tremendous job defensively too.”

While Jackson’s recent offensive outburst might not be sustainable every game, her newfound confidence and willingness to attack are promising signs for the Sparks. She has adjusted her shot selection. She shied away from mid-range shots and focused on attacking the rim, where she is shooting 71%.

With veteran All-Star Kelsey Plum having a career year, Azurá Stevens exceeding expectations and Dearica Hamby contributing strong numbers, the Sparks still need to find their edge. The return of rookie Cameron Brink, coupled with Jackson’s elevated play, offers hope that the Sparks can end their current playoff drought. The performance also might mean that Jackson could be the key to breaking into the postseason, a goal that has eluded the franchise for too long.

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