Day Game Suits Sparks Just Fine
Most WNBA games take place at night, but the Sparks might like a few more scheduled during the day.
They overcame a 22-point deficit to beat San Antonio on June 26 in their first day game. On Thursday afternoon, the Sparks had a much easier time of it, waltzing past the Phoenix Mercury, 82-65, before 9,859 at Staples Center.
Everyone got to play for the Sparks (18-5) and everyone scored, led by DeLisha Milton and Nikki Teasley with 16 points each. Teasley also had eight rebounds and nine assists.
In addition to shooting 48.1% from the field while holding Phoenix to 34.4%, Los Angeles sank all 27 free throws, tying the league record for free throws made without a miss. It was the second time this season the Sparks have been perfect at the line; they were 20 for 20 against Minnesota on May 28.
“It was probably one of our best games since [Lisa Leslie] has been out,” Coach Michael Cooper said. “The last time we met this team, we had to go two overtimes to win. So for us to put a performance like this, from a coaching standpoint it’s very gratifying.”
Adding to Cooper’s satisfaction was the play of rookie Shaquala Williams, who made her second start and scored a season-high 13 points, making five of nine shots.
“In getting the chance to be on the floor, I’ve gotten more comfortable and the team has gotten more comfortable with me,” Williams said. “I can understand where my shots are going to come from, and I can understand what they want me to do on defense.”
The Mercury (3-17) used a trapping defense all over the court while running and gunning on offense. But the quick tempo worked more in the Sparks’ favor.
A 19-8 spurt midway through the first half put the Sparks up, 30-16. That lead grew to 44-26 before the Mercury got it down to 44-30 at halftime. But two free throws by Sophia Witherspoon put Los Angeles ahead, 60-40, with 12:53 left to play.
It was the sixth consecutive loss for Phoenix, which got 12 points each from Lisa Harrison and Plenette Pierson, and earned the Mercury an extended postgame lecture from Coach John Shumate.
“We’ve got to get our energy level back and find a way to get the job done,” Shumate said. “Energy has been this team’s forte and strength, and somehow the energy level has not been there consistently.... That’s why we have to be on top of our game from start to finish to give ourselves a chance.”
Los Angeles gets a five-day break before facing San Antonio (in another day game) next week. The Sparks expect Tamecka Dixon to return to the starting lineup after sitting out three games because of a strained left knee.
As for Leslie, still on the injured list because of a bone bruise on her right knee, there is no timetable for her return, although she said Thursday most of the swelling in the knee is gone.
Leslie, who has been out five games, is having a hard time watching. But she acknowledges she is not yet ready to play.
“I tried to run on [Wednesday] for the first time and I couldn’t,” Leslie said. “I have the desire to run -- just jog or dance around with my teammates as I normally do -- but I can’t do it yet.
“I know the team is fighting hard to maintain where we are, and that’s good. I’m relaxed when we win, but when we don’t, then I feel stressed because I can’t help. But the doctors said I need to be free of pain and have my full range of movement before I can get back on the court.”
Spark officials are expected to announce today the signing of free-agent forward Vanessa Nygaard to a seven-day contract. Nygaard, 28, was waived earlier this season by Charlotte.