After suffering a disparaging three game losing streak, the Los Angeles Sparks were determined to win and sent a message to the World Champs that their time is now by defeating the Minnesota Lynx 96-90 on Thursday.
Sparks guard Kristi Toliver was remarkable scoring 29 points, going 6-for-6 from the 3 point line, along with MVP candidate Candace Parker grabbing a double-double with 28 points and 13 rebounds.
Candace Parker and the L.A. Sparks set the tempo early from the opening tip, with sense of not only urgency but intensity. Parker dominated the first quarter, driving and creating shot opportunities by scoring 11 points and having an amazing three three-point plays. Toliver also aggressively scored 11 points to end the first quarter on a 13-2 run, and led 24-21.
The Sparks defense was also impressive as they held Rookie of The Year Maya Moore to zero points in the first quarter. Moore struggled offensively as she tried to locate her rhythm.
Lynx coach Cheryl Reeves benched Moore to begin the second quarter, which only aided the Sparks offensive fury. Parker capitalized on Moore's absence as he continued to knock down key shot and grab rebounds, and after back to back 3 pointers by Toliver, the Sparks lead has increased by nine points, forcing the Lynx to call timeout. With Moore back in the game, Lynx Simone Augustus hit a big three pointer that kept the Lynx in the game. While Parker sat on the bench, and key misses from the Sparks, Maya Moore finally found her rhythm and hit a three pointer, which followed by Augustus who hit another 3 pointer, that made the Sparks call a much needed timeout. Lynx went on a 9-2 run, and only were down 36-34.
The Sparks seemed to settle down as they went inside with Jantel Lavender and rookie Nneka Ogwumike, for which the Lynx had no answer for. Sparks went on a 6-0 run to end the half ahead 49-43 over the Lynx.
In third quarter the Sparks blew the doors off Staples Center as they built a lead as high as 18 points over the World champions. And thanks to free throws by Toliver, headed into the fourth quarter with a 75-57 lead. The Sparks seemed to be in complete control in the fourth quarter especially when April Sykes hit the 3 point dagger that should've sealed the deal with 6:54 left in the game. Maya Moore hit a key 3 pointer that sparked a 15-2 run by the Lynx that trimmed the Sparks to just six points. Candice Wiggins also hit a 3 pointer along with Moore who continued to lead the charge back with a key basket with just 2:30 left. but just seconds later Maya Moore picked up her sixth foul and exited the game with 14 points.
Both Parker and Toliver were determined to not let the lead slip away as they hit 10 free throws in the last 2 minutes to seal the deal and take the victory over the Lynx 96-90.
This was the second time that the Lynx allowed a team to score more than 90 points this season, on back to back road games.
An elated Candace Parker spoke about the victory, "It was nice to come out and not be down 4 to 22 or 4 to 19. We started with intensity. That really set the tone early. We were ready to help. We helped the helper. We had a defensive plan and we really stuck with it through whole game."
Nneka Ogwumike finished with 12 points and 7 rebounds, along with Alana Beard who finished with 10 points and 4 assist.
On the other side of the ball Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve talked about their performance along with Parker and Toliver's. "I thought the whole game was not a good one for us. They didn't have to get their third, fourth options in their offense. Everything was first or second option. They had two players that I thought lit us up. Toliver and Parker had everything they wanted and it was an easy game for them. They made our defense just look silly."
Candice Wiggins finished with 11 points, and Simone Augustus finished with 18 points and 3 assist.
The Sparks have a tough schedule with home back to back games against the Seattle Storm and the Atlanta Dream before they hit the road for two games to end the first half of the season.
No comments:
Post a Comment