The L.A. Sparks Struggle With Offense in Loss to Dallas Wings
In their home opener, the Los Angeles Sparks started strong against the Dallas Wings but could not maintain their momentum throughout the game.
In their home opener, the Los Angeles Sparks started strong against the Dallas Wings but could not maintain their momentum throughout the game.
Los Angeles Sparks head coach Derek Fisher is enforcing a versatile, position-less style of play and built a roster that compliments it. This is the driving force of a new era for the L.A. Sparks.
With the first week of training camp in the books, the Los Angeles Sparks are excited about the upcoming season. The new roster is packed with 15 players who quickly established a competitive environment.
The free agency this offseason brought on a new core of players for the Los Angeles Sparks. Forward Nneka Ogwumike as well as head coach and general manager Derek Fisher are embracing certain changes as well.
Four-time WNBA Champion Seimone Augustus re-signed with the Sparks. Augustus has one of the most prolific basketball careers in professional basketball history. She ranks tenth in scoring in WNBA history with 2005 points, and she averaged 15.4 points throughout her career. Augustus won championships in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017.
The Sparks signed Bria Holmes this offseason, and she’s excited about her future in Los Angeles. The 2016 draft pick will bring her playoff and championship experience to the Sparks as they expect to compete at a high level this year.
In the wake of WNBA icon Candace Parker departing from the Los Angeles Sparks, the franchise signed former New York Liberty center Amanda Zahui B. A versatile post player who can shoot three-pointers, she averaged 9.0 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while shooting at 34.0 percent in three-point shots last season.
Brittney Sykes moved in silence and re-signed with the Sparks. The defensive juggernaut made 2nd team all-defense in the first season in Los Angeles, last year in 2020. Sykes will again strive to become Defensive Player of the Year, and she looks forward to furthering her career with the Sparks.
“Women, we are in control,” says Erica Wheeler, who recently signed with the Sparks. WNBA free agency has been a trending topic this offseason, and the Women are taking control of their destiny. Many huge signings, including Wheeler leaving the Indiana Fever to play with the Sparks.
The 2020 WNBA season was like no other season. Despite competing in a bubble and fighting for Social Justice issues, the Los Angeles Sparks finished third in the league with a 15-7 overall record.
The early exit the Los Angele Sparks made in the 2020 WNBA Playoffs shows a problem the team has had throughout the season. Although they have the third-best record in the WNBA, they were 1-3 when playing without forward Nneka Ogwumike during the season.
Playoffs are on the horizon and the LA Sparks sit with the third seed in the standings. The Washington Mystics, playing for their playoff lives showed their hunger and will to keep their playoff hopes alive, defeating the elite Sparks 80-72.
The Los Angeles Sparks hustled to the final seconds against the Seattle Storm. With 0.3 seconds left, Storm guard Jewell Loyd took an in-bound pass and sank a clutch three-pointer, allowing the Seattle Storm to survive the Sparks 90-89.
The Sparks defeated the Wings 91-83, and they are now 13-4 on the season. Veteran Candace Parker led the way with 22 points, ten rebounds, six assists, and four players in double figures. Sparks are playing outstanding basketball as a team.
The Los Angeles Sparks continue to bring awareness to health and social issues by having a panel discussion with L.A. County Public Health Director Dr. Barbara Ferrer. Sparks stars Nneka Ogwumike and Candace Parker along with head coach Derek Fisher hosted the discussion.