​The Los Angeles Sparks proved Wednesday afternoon that they can hang with one of the WNBA’s best teams.After leading early and trading punches with the Minnesota Lynx for three quarters, the Sparks couldn’t keep pace with a late Lynx run, falling 96-87 at Target Center. Still, there were plenty of positives for Los Angeles, including Cameron Brink’s return to the lineup, Rae Burrell tying a career high with 24 points, and Nneka Ogwumike tying Lisa Leslie on the Sparks’ all-time scoring list.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFirst QuarterThe Sparks couldn’t have asked for a much better start. Ariel Atkins knocked down an early three as Los Angeles came out with confidence, moving the ball well and attacking Minnesota before the Lynx defense had a chance to settle in.One of the biggest moments of the opening quarter came when Cameron Brink checked back into a game for the first time in over a month. Although she was on a minutes restriction, Brink immediately made her presence felt around the rim, giving the Sparks another layer defensively.Minnesota eventually settled into its defensive rhythm, but Los Angeles stayed aggressive and took an 18-12 lead after the opening quarter.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSecond QuarterThe momentum shifted in the second. Turnovers began to pile up for the Sparks, allowing Minnesota to speed the game up and erase the deficit. Rookie Olivia Miles took advantage, creating easy offense with several pinpoint assists as the Lynx grabbed their first lead just a couple of minutes into the quarter.Neither offense found much of a rhythm for stretches, but Brink continued to make an impact inside. Looking anything but rusty, she battled for rebounds and looked comfortable in her return.A steal from Courtney Williams led to another Minnesota push, but Rae Burrell answered with an aggressive drive before knocking down a three to keep Los Angeles within striking distance.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe Sparks went into halftime trailing just 39-37.Third QuarterLos Angeles came out of the locker room with renewed energy. Nneka Ogwumike opened the second half by setting up teammates on back-to-back possessions before later knocking down a three-pointer of her own during a Sparks run. Erica Wheeler answered one Minnesota triple with one of her own, and Brink continued to give the Sparks quality minutes on both end.The teams continued to trade baskets throughout the quarter, and despite Minnesota edging back in front, Los Angeles stayed within one possession heading into the fourth, trailing 68-67.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFourth QuarterThe Sparks continued to battle, but Minnesota eventually showed why they are one of the league’s top teams. Burrell continued attacking, mixing in strong passes with another clutch three-pointer as she tied her career high with 24 points. Defensively, both teams made every possession difficult, but Minnesota finally created the separation it had been looking for