The 10-0 Los Angeles Sparks basketball team of the WNBA will try to stay unbeaten when they play two of the best teams, Phoenix on Friday at 7:30 and Minnesota next Tuesday at mid-day, 12:30, at the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles.
The Sparks’s opening streak is the best start in team history.
Their 98-85 victory over the Chicago Sky last Tuesday at Staples proved again they can win in different ways.
When their defense softens, they rely on offense. Against Chicago five players scored in double figures. The Sparks were led by Nneka Ogwumike’s 27 points and 12 rebounds. Candace Parker had 17 points, seven rebounds and five assists, Kristi Toliver 16 points, Chelsea Gray 12 points and Essence Carson scored 11.
“We have good players.” Said Coach Brian Agler.
“Several who could be starting for us are coming off the bench. We will be counting on all of them to step up during the season. You need more than one or two players to win.”
In their 20th WNBA season, the Sparks’s biggest tests will be the next two games.
At 4-6, Phoenix is off to a slow start. They have two of the premier players in the WNBA, Dianna Taurasi and Brittney Griner. Two former UCLA players, rookie Nirra Fields and Noelle Quinn, are with Phoenix.
Minnesota,11-0, is led by Maya Moore and longtime WNBA veterans Seimone Augutus and Lindsay Whalen.
When it comes to top tier players in the WNBA, Ogwumike is right there. During their last two games,she made 16 shots in a row, 12 for 12 against Dallas and her first four against Chicago.
“She is having a great year,” said Agler. “Her game is really developing. She is coming into her prime.”
Agler said that as good as she is on the court, she is just a model person in real life.
“She is one of our leaders, one of the best defensive players in the league.”
Since it still is early, players are trying to keep success in perspective.
“We know what the big picture is,” said Toliver. “We still have a long way to go.” but we have a good foundation this year.”
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
