NEW YORK — There hasn’t been a back-to-back champion in the WNBA since Los Angeles won consecutive titles in 2001-02.

The Sparks are trying to accomplish that feat again, but have struggled recently, dropping their last two games. They didn’t lose their second game last season until July 17 — 22 games in. They play New York Tuesday night.

“We’ve played some good spurts of basketball, but haven’t put it all together yet,” Sparks coach Brian Agler said. “It’s going to take time. We prepare to win every single game, but some of the things we’re doing on the court, we’re not on the same page yet. That’s what we’re trying to work through.”

It didn’t help the L.A. that most of its roster wasn’t in training camp because of overseas commitments. Candace Parker, Essence Carson and Jantel Lavender didn’t show up until a week into the season.

“I’m not usually the eventually type of person, we focus on what’s going on here and now,” said 2016 MVP Nneka Ogwumike. “We had two great wins at home. It’s a combination of getting everyone on the same page as well as knowing the scout, knowing the game plan, knowing what it takes. That’s where we find ourselves right now. We’re learning each day.”

The Sparks have dropped their last two games, and fallen to third in The Associated Press WNBA power poll, while Odyssey Sims is back in Los Angeles rehabbing a sprained ankle.

After the game against the Liberty, the Sparks don’t play again until June 6 against Chicago.