L.A. Has Plenty of Spark in Win
In her four seasons in the WNBA, Lisa Leslie has registered some memorable games, but a high percentage of them have occurred this season as the Sparks drive toward a possible championship.
Friday night, before 11,053 in America West Arena, Leslie scored 30 points and had 16 rebounds--her 18th double-double of the season--and the Sparks stayed within a half-game of Western Conference leading Houston with a 74-68 victory over Phoenix.
The victory allowed the Sparks (20-3) to clinch a playoff berth despite the second-half ejection of Coach Michael Cooper, who was tossed for going onto the court to protest a call against DeLisha Milton with 11:40 remaining. “I think the officiating has been good this season overall but on that particular play, I felt Milton had made a great play and that she was the one who’d been fouled,” Cooper said. “I felt I had to express my opinion.”
After the banishment, Cooper was confined to the visitor’s locker room, which has no TV.
“I didn’t need a TV,” Cooper said. “I knew what was happening. When the crowd went quiet, I knew something good had happened.”
Cooper’s counterpart, Cheryl Miller, also missed the game after having knee surgery on Monday. On Thursday, Miller had an adverse reaction to medication, and she will not travel with the team to Sacramento for tonight’s game against the Monarchs.
Cooper made a pitch for Leslie as the league’s MVP after her performance against the Mercury (14-8). Leslie played 38 minutes and made all seven of her free throws, running her consecutive streak to 40.
Milton added 16 points and 11 rebounds.
The Sparks used defense to turn the game in their favor.
With 5:35 left and Phoenix ahead, 62-61, Brandy Reed (21 points) had two shots inside. Mwadi Mabika blocked the first and Leslie rejected the putback before the Sparks gained control.
With the score tied, 68-68, Leslie and Milton forced consecutive misses by Jennifer Gillom and Reed before L.A. again secured possession.
Two free throws by Leslie, her 29th and 30th points, gave L.A. a 70-68 lead. Dixon secured the victory with two more free throws with 12 seconds remaining.
“I think Lisa firmed up consideration of her as the league MVP tonight,” Cooper said.
“She must be given serious consideration. I know Sheryl Swoopes is having a great year, but so is Lisa.”
Said Leslie: “I hope people consider me. I feel like I’ve got a second wind now. I took a nap this afternoon, so coming back the second day wasn’t so bad. I just hope people don’t expect me to score 30 points every night.”
The Sparks were playing for the second time in less than 24 hours, having beaten New York on Thursday at the Great Western Forum.
It was the sixth time the Sparks have swept back-to-back games in seven tries.
The Sparks, who have won 16 of 17, return to the Forum to play Sacramento on Sunday, Orlando on Tuesday and Seattle on Thursday.