Sparks crush San Antonio, 84-48

Sparks Coach Carol Ross’ message got across.

In the second of back-to-back games, the Sparks put a defensive squeeze on San Antonio, routing the Silver Stars, 84-48, Saturday night at Staples Center.

The night before Ross had let her players know how disappointed she was with their effort, saying after a 97-81 defeat at Phoenix, “There wasn’t a whole lot of fight, we didn’t handle adversity well and we were not resilient.”

The Sparks responded against the Silver Stars, giving up only 20 second-half points, after allowing 49 last-half points at Phoenix.

The effort showed on offense too. Nneka Ogwumike had 16 points and seven rebounds, Candace Parker and Kristi Toliver each added 13 points and six assists, and Jantel Lavender had 14 points in a reserve role for the Sparks (3-2).

Danielle Adams had 12 points and Shenise Johnson scored 11 for the Silver Stars (2-4), who are seeking their first road victory after going winless on a three-game trip.

The Sparks blew the game open in the third quarter, outscoring San Antonio, 26-8. Parker scored nine in the third, including consecutive baskets on a three-pointer and a runner in the paint while being fouled. She converted a finger roll for a 55-34 lead, and Toliver sank a jump shot to push it to 61-36 entering the fourth.