Don’t Look Now… The LA Sparks Are Coming
By Pablo Jacobo
A few weeks ago I wrote that when the Los Angeles Sparks regained all their players that they would be dangerous. Two-time WNBA champion Candace Parker returned July 29 and LA is currently enjoying their first three-game winning streak of the season. They’re 3-1 since Parker rejoined her teammates.
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Certainly having Parker join the mix, the team has performed better. Health will be a key for the Sparks going forward. In the first 20 games of the season only three players, Jantel Lavender, Temeka Johnson and Marianna Tolo have been available in all games for Head Coach Brian Agler.
Lavender has been the most consistent player for the Sparks and shouldered the majority of the scoring load in the post. She leads the league in double-doubles (11) and has an array of post moves. When it’s all said and done, she may average a double-double for the season.
Once Nneka Ogwumike and Kristi Tolliver joined the fray, the team played considerably better but still lacked that imposing presence on the court that Parker fills. Both are scoring 15 (much needed) points apiece but things are flowing better with CP3 at the helm.
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In four games with LA, Parker is averaging 19.5 points, 10 boards, 5 assists and 2 blocks while making half of her field goal attempts. Quite an impact she has made in such a short time. With the roster at full strength, they defeated the first place Minnesota Lynx handedly 83-61. Parker’s final stat line was 18 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.
The victory over the Mayo Moore-led Lynx brings the Sparks record to 6-14, good enough for 4th place in the Western Conference. That puts LA nine games behind first place Minnesota but 4.5 games behind third place Tulsa Shock. Los Angeles has 14 games remaining in the season and could trim some of the third place lead by beating Tulsa on Thursday.
WNBA veteran Alana Beard also made her return to the squad after sitting out with plantar fasciitis to bolster the bench. The 33-year-old will provide even more scoring to a stacked team readying themselves for a playoff run. Adding Beard to role players like Temeka Johnson and last season’s top three-point shooter Erin Phillips, the Sparks have the necessary pieces to improve their record.
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Parker was the final piece to the puzzle for the Sparks. They are way better than a six win team. There’s enough talent on the roster to make some serious noise in the playoffs but health will be a huge factor going forward.
The Sparks have four bonafied stars in Parker, Ogwumike, Lavender and Tolliver who can provide enough fire power to make things interesting. But first they must continue building on this win streak. In the past four games, LA’s defense has only allowed 74 points to the opposition. That string of solid defense must continue for this team to be successful. The pieces are in place for this Sparks team to be dangerous but must finish the season strong.
Next: ICYMI: Candace Parker's Return Giving Sparks Playoff Hopes