If you follow the history of basketball some things are clear. If your team expects to win a championship, you need at least two superstars to complete the journey to the top. The Lakers had Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. The Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA have Nneka Ogwumike and Candace Parker.
As with every champion, each roster member has a significant role.
All 12 on the Sparks roster are vital.
Parker and Ogwumike, the other three starters, Alana Beard , Essence Carson and Kristi Toliver, along with reserves Jantel Lavender, Chelsea Gray, Evgennila Belyakova, Jelena Dubljevic, Ana Dadovic, AnnWauters and Whitney Knight are crucial to Sparks’ success.
When the lights come, however, Parker and Ogwumike shine the brightest.
The Sparks continue a five-game road trip Friday against the Connecticut Sun.
They complete the swing with games Sunday, Tuesday and next Friday.
At 19-1 if they beat Connecticut, they will tie the 1998 Houston Comets for the best start in WNBA history.
Once back home, the Sparks will take a month off for the Summer Olympics.
The Sparks beat the Chicago Sky 77-67 last Wednesday. Once again Ogwumike was the leader, 20 points, 11 rebounds, three assists while connecting on 10 of 11 shots.
Ogwumike and Parker take turns taking charge. Ogwumike has the edge today.
“I would have to say this is the best I have played in the WNBA,” said Ogwumkie last Sunday after their win over Washington at the Staples Center. “This is reminiscent of my senior year at Stanford.”
Ogwumike leads the WNBA in field goal percentage, 71.23, and is seventh in scoring, 19.1. Parker is ninth in scoring at 16.6 points.
“We are pretty good playing on the road (8-0),” said Ogwumike. “We need our rest and to stay focused. We can’t take any plays off. Then we will be fine.”
Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com
