LOS ANGELES - Coming off of a terrible loss in Minnesota, the Los Angeles Sparks were happy to be back home and eagerly awaiting their next challenge, getting a much needed win from the Phoenix Mercury. Phoenix who last year won four out of five meetings against the Sparks, looked to gain another victory in Staples Center. However this Sparks team was a different team with a new focus, championship or bust.
In the opening half, the Sparks started off a little slow as they battled with the Mercury back and forth. Mercury guard Diana Taurasi scored six points from three point range and forward Penny Taylor contributed with six points, keeping the Mercury ahead. After a time out, the Sparks immediately turned up the energy and began to play solid on offense and defense. Delisha Milton Jones set off their offense with 14 points closing the quarter with a one point lead.
In the second quarter Sparks guard Kristi Toliver exploded with 11 points, as the Sparks began to dominate the Mercury. Starting off slow on 2 for 7 shooting, with 7 points, 4 assist Candace Parker became facilitator. The Sparks went on a 14-7 run with Kristi Toliver hit three crucial 3 pointers, in the last three minutes. With her shots not falling Diana Taurasi looked out of sync. With 9 turnovers the Mercury ended the first half down 54-40.
In the second half the Mercury seemed to get it together as Candace Dupree, Penny Taylor, and Temeka Johnson stepped up to make a run against the Sparks. Although, Candace Parker and Tina Thompson found their rhythm, the Mercury managed to cut the lead down to 9, outscoring the Sparks 27-22 by the end of the 3rd quarter.
The final quarter belonged to Los Angeles. The Sparks swarmed and frustrated Taurasi, who was 0 for 5 from the field, causing her to draw a technical foul mid way through the fourth quarter. The biggest play of the night went to Candace Parker who put a monster block on Mercury guard Marie Ferdinand-Harris, causing the home crowd to erupt in cheer. The Mercury had no answer for the 1-2 combo of Tina Thompson and Candace Parker who finished with 21 and 22 points respectfully. The Sparks defeated the Mercury 98-84 at Staples Center.
The Sparks defense held Phoenix guard Diana Taurasi to a season low 9 points. When asked how they were able to contain Taurasi, Sparks reserve guard Kristi Toliver said "We were just trying to keep her frustrated. We were throwing different looks at her. We've got a lot of big bodies on this team." Kristi Toliver finished with 17 points, 3 assist and Delisha Milton-Jones also finished with an impressive 18 points.
The Sparks shot an impressive 13 for 23 from the 3 point line, making that the second-most in franchise history.
Diana Taurasi was asked about the Mercury's shooting in the second half "Sometimes they go in and sometimes they don't. I think defensively we didn't do some things and that lead to us not getting a rhythm going on the other side of the ball."
Candace Parker explained the slow start in the first half saying "We were a little sluggish on transition defense and we adjusted that in the second quarter. I knew for me I just needed to relax, and if my shots weren't falling, then I knew my teammates would contribute on open shots and looks."
Make no mistake, this Diana Taurasi will not be seen again. Dynamic players always make significant adjustments, so don't be surprised if we see a more aggressive, high scoring Taurasi by their next game, and next time they face the Sparks. With that being said, this game belonged to the Sparks superb defense.
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