The Sparks were deadlocked against the Seattle Storm with 6:03 remaining in the fourth quarter on Wednesday.
A half-quarter of their execution might help them break their five-game losing streak and win their eighth game.
Instead, the Storm went on a 12-4 run to defeat the Sparks, handing them their sixth consecutive loss in their penultimate home game.
It's a script that has been playing out throughout the summer
The Sparks play well over three quarters before failing to execute down the stretch, leading to a defeat.
The answer to these offensive problems, however, will not be found on the bench or in Curt Miller's coaching decisions.
No, the solution to Los Angeles' guard troubles can be found east, in Storrs, Connecticut.
Enter Paige Bueckers, the expected top pick in this year's WNBA draft.
The UConn guard has been a phenom and star since her freshman year, when she earned numerous awards such as Associated Press National Player of the Year over her colleagues, including Iowa's Caitlin Clark.