Leslie Controls the Floor Show
It is truly Lisa Leslie’s court now.
In an unprecedented act before the Sparks’ game against Indiana in Staples Center Friday, team President Johnny Buss had the Sparks’ floor inscribed with Leslie’s name, number and signature. The inscription was placed on all four corners of the court.
Quite the present for Leslie, who celebrated her 34th birthday on Friday. And then she took the party to another level with a near triple-double in L.A.’s 72-60 victory over the Fever.
Leslie had 22 points and 15 rebounds. She finished with eight assists, tying the season high she established against Phoenix on June 13.
“Having the court named after me -- that’s big-time,” said Leslie, who made nine of 19 shots.
“I feel honored, especially here at Staples Center. To be a part of this community forever, going to high school and college and now professionally, I take a lot of pride in being a role model for kids. And to me, that says I’ve done a good job.”
The victory lifted the first-place Sparks (15-5) to a three-game lead in the Western Conference, with one more game to play before the All-Star break.
On Friday, they shot 50.8% against an active, physical Fever team (12-7). After Leslie, Chamique Holdsclaw did the bulk of the scoring, making nine of 12 shots for 18 points.
Most intriguing was how the teams alternated control of the quarters. Indiana pulled out to a 19-12 lead after the first 10-minute period, only to have the Sparks dominate the second quarter, 20-5.
The Fever, which had a season-high 26 points from Anna DeForge and 17 points from Tamika Whitmore, took one more run at the Sparks and trimmed L.A.’s 32-24 halftime lead to 47-46 by end of the third. But the Sparks ran away again in the fourth quarter, outscoring the visitors 25-14.
Perhaps the Fever had the good sense not to spoil the party.
During the court ceremony Buss told the crowd: “I couldn’t think of anything to get her. So I thought, well, this city, the Buss family, and the Sparks owe this woman a great deal of gratitude for 10 seasons of great basketball. We want to dedicate this court to you on your birthday.... Lisa, thank you so much.”
Sparks Coach Joe Bryant said he could not remember any other basketball players getting the same honor while still playing.
“Usually it’s like 20 years after when you realize how great she is. But it’s important that the franchise understand her greatness now,” Bryant said. “It’s a special honor.”
The Sparks had a scare when Christi Thomas suffered a left knee injury while battling Fever forward Ebony Hoffman for a loose ball in the second quarter. Thomas was carried off the floor, but X-rays taken of the injury were negative. Thomas will undergo an MRI exam today.
The doctors “said my ligaments look strong, so that’s a positive,” Thomas said. “I’ve had two knee surgeries, but nothing too serious, all cartilage stuff. They think that might be the concern right now.”