Sparks Must Learn From Past

Although they watch as much game video as any WNBA team, the Sparks probably didn’t want many reminders of Friday’s blowout loss at Sacramento.

Then again, maybe they need them all.

Los Angeles didn’t just run into a buzz saw Friday. The Sparks saw a Monarch team that not only outplayed them, it imposed its will on them offensively and defensively. That’s something the Sparks haven’t seen too often during a four-year run that has included three WNBA finals appearances and two league championships.

And the Monarchs, who defeated the Sparks, 72-52, on Friday in Arco Arena to take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three first-round series, gave indications they believe they can wrap things up this afternoon.

“I noticed their bench after the game,” Spark Co-Coach Karleen Thompson said. “The reaction to the win was totally opposite of last year’s playoffs. They weren’t jumping around. They know they have a chance to finish it off, and they need to finish it off [today].”

Meaning if the Sparks don’t have a sense of urgency this afternoon on their home floor, this series will probably end decisively in the Monarchs’ favor.

“What stood out Friday was the fact we didn’t come ready to play. Our heads weren’t in the game. We played no defense. And Sacramento was ready,” Thompson said.

“We’ve seen this before. Last year [in the playoffs], the same thing happened. We have to not only match their intensity but rise above it.”

The Sparks have disrupted their offensive rhythm with a “one pass, one shot” mentality this season, Thompson said.

“We went away from their defensive pressure instead of attacking it,” she said. “We’ll have to be a lot more aggressive going to the basket, finishing shots, and not expecting a foul.”

Monarch Coach John Whisenant said he was not surprised the Sparks had trouble solving the Monarchs’ defensive scheme.

“It’s a defense I learned 30 years ago from other coaches,” Whisenant said. “It takes great intensity and great effort, but it can [neutralize] a superior offensive team. It gives you a chance to win.

“But we know this isn’t over, and we have to keep our noses to the grindstone.”