Los Angeles Sparks guard Chelsea Gray (12) on jumper during the Las Vegas Aces vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 1, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike (30) boding up Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) on the elbow during the Las Vegas Aces vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 1, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks take control of the game and never look back as they defeated the Las Vegas Aces 87-71 Sunday afternoon at Staples Center.
The Sparks jumped out to 30-20 lead over the Aces in the first quarter of play.
Gray and Jantel Lavender used their hot first half scoring double digits that lead to 22 point lead at the half.
WNBA #1 draft pick Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) elevating to get off a shot during the Las Vegas Aces vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 1, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
“Our aggressiveness and our start was unbelievable, it set the tone for the game,” said Lavender, “We wanted to make her (Wilson) game tough.
Las Vegas had just handled the Sparks two nights ago in Vegas 97-78 behind A’ja Wilson.
Aces offense kept trying to find Wilson but the denial defense was too strong. Being a younger play not in an offensive flow could have contributed to her early foul trouble in first half.
“We congested her,” said Candace Parker, “Nneka played good defense on the elbow.”
Wilson still finished the game with 10 points despite playing limited minutes.
WNBA 2018: Las Vegas Aces vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 1, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
So whether it was the Sparks defense behind Ogwumike and Parker or three fouls being on the bench it worked.
The Sparks always have better offense when the play defense first and at one point the team was shooting over 70% from the field.
“We got off to a great start with great energy,” said coach Brian Agler.
In the fourth quarter with 2:32 left the game Agler called off the dogs with 84-67 lead bring in the subs off the bench.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker (3) being guarded tough by Las Vegas Aces center A’ja Wilson (22) during the Las Vegas Aces vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 1, 2018. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
As the season continues to move forward the Sparks protecting home has been key to keeping their record near the top.
“We are just trying to get every win we can,” said Agler.
Now the Sparks will sleep in their homes and be ready for Tuesday matchup against the Connecticut Sun. So the Ogwumike sisters will face off for first time this season.
June 30, 2018 Los Angeles, CA.
MLS 2018: Los Angeles Football Club vs Philadelphia Union at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on June 30, 2018. Rick Gurrola
June 30, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. MLS 2018: Los Angeles Football Club vs Philadelphia Union at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on June 30, 2018. Rick Gurrola
Los Angeles, CA- LAFC Norwegian forward Adama Diomande tapped in a goal from close range to complete the first hat trick in club history and help the Black and Gold to a 4-1 win over Philadelphia Union on Saturday at Banc of California Stadium.
The victory gave LAFC a 4-0-3 record at home and they keep pace with Sporting KC and FC Dallas, whom they trail by two points in the Western Conference.
“I’m just going into my training everyday smiling with my teammates,” Diomande, who has acquired in May, said. “It’s just a bonus to get that history.”
June 30, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. MLS 2018: Los Angeles Football Club vs Philadelphia Union at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on June 30, 2018. Rick Gurrola
In the 25th minute, LAFC took a 1-0 lead when Diomande cut left, then cut right to shake loose the defender, and fired a shot passed the goalkeeper.
The Union missed scoring opportunities in the first half as Alejandro Bedoyas’ header went off the far post in the 28th minute. Bedoya came close once again in the 42nd minute, but his header off a corner went over the goal.
LAFC took a 2-0 lead a minute later on Diomandes’ second goal. Mark-Anthony Kaye crossed a pass to Diomande inside the box for an easy goal. The Black and Gold showed good movement and sliced through the Union’s defense with ease.
June 30, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. MLS 2018: Los Angeles Football Club vs Philadelphia Union at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on June 30, 2018. Rick Gurrola
“We’ve been working on trying to find that extra pass that gets the goal,” Kaye said. “He’s demanding the ball and he’s scoring. That’s what you want from your striker.”
Philadelphia cut the lead on Fafa Picault’s goal in the 45th minute. Picault scored off a rebound right before halftime.
Diomande scored his third goal of the match in the 55th minute, giving the 28-year-old seven goals in the last five games. That’s the most of any player after five games in the league’s 23-year history according to Elias Sports.
June 30, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. MLS 2018: Los Angeles Football Club vs Philadelphia Union at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on June 30, 2018. Rick Gurrola
“For me, tonight this was the first game so far where I started to see quality of some of his touches and the sharpness where he is able to take the ball and move and make the right pass to the next guy,” LAFC coach Bob Bradley said. “From my time with him, I know that is a lot closer to the Dio I remember.”
LAFC added a late goal in stoppage time by Latif Blessing, who also finished with two assist. The Black and Gold are back in action on Wednesday, July 3 against Houston before returning to Banc of California Stadium on Saturday, July 7 against Orlando City FC.
Los Angeles Lakers Magic Johnson after the draft talking about his team future with the draft and free agency coming. (All Photos by Dennis J. Freeman)
EL SEGUNDO, CA-Los Angeles Lakers President of Basketball Operations Earvin “Magic” Johnson has probably the most recognizable smile all over the world. But his competitive DNA is what put him in nine NBA Finals appearances and pushed him to become a five-time world champion. He’s a winner.
If anyone thinks that edge has left the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer because he switched uniforms of playing in a suit and tie these days instead of the tight, gym shorts he used to ball in, Johnson reminded the media that kind of ideology is for the birds.
At a press conference introducing the Lakers two picks in the 2018 NBA Draft, Johnson, after being posed a question by a reporter about whether or not he was feeling pressure to deliver big-name free agents to the franchise, dialed up the mojo that once made him a three-time league MVP, a 12-time All-Star and the famed conductor of the “Showtime” Lakers.
“No pressure on me,” Johnson said. “I’m going to do my job. I’ve always done that. Do you know how many Finals I’ve been in? So do you think I’m worried about this? I’ve played against Larry Bird in the (NBA) Finals, so c’mon, man. I’ve been in nine Finals. I’m Magic Johnson. I’m still the same guy. I’m not going to change. No pressure on me. I’m going to do my job. That’s what I do. I do my job. I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it.”
With the free agent swirl of rumors going all over the place, the reported anticipation around the league is that the Lakers are looking to hit a home run this summer or after next season in regards to free agent pickups. But at the press conference Johnson, general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach Luke Walton held on Tuesday, June 26, at the team’s practice facilities, the focus was clearly on the young talented players the Lakers drafted.
At 6-foot-11 and 245 pounds, Mortiz Wagner (No. 25, Round 1), a star for three seasons for the Michigan Wolverines, is like a younger version of Lakers center Brook Lopez. Grabbing rebounds won’t be a problem and shooting from long distance is a plus. Wagner shot nearly 40 percent from three-point range last season. Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk (No. 17, Round 2) was actually better in the downtown area than Wagner, connecting on 44 percent of his 3-point shots as a member of the Kansas Jayhawks.
This is one area the Lakers could work on improving. As a team, the Lakers shot just 34 percent from three-point range. Johnson believes both Wagner and Mykhailiuk would provide the Lakers with an upgrade in this category.
“We struggled from the three-point line, we struggled from the free throw line, but today is a big upgrade,” said Johnson. “We set out to get shooters in this draft, and guys that can stretch the floor, guys that have high basketball IQ, guys that were competitive and tough-minded. Both of them come from extremely successful programs in college and they’re fundamentally sound because coach (John) Beilein and coach (Bill) Self did a fabulous job of coaching both of these young men. We felt that when we looked at both of them, they add to our team what was missing. We’re excited about introducing them today.”
The Lakers may not have finished the 2017-2018 NBA season where they wanted, but be rest assured that Johnson and Pelinka are working feverishly behind the scenes to make the Lakers great again. The management duo’s restructuring of the team’s roster started with the drafting of Lonzo Ball and the selection of dynamic swingman Kyle Kuzma last year.
It showed that Johnson and Pelinka did their homework as Ball (No. 2 overall draft pick) and Kuzma (No. 27 selection) both made the NBA All-Rookie team. Kuzma wound up being a first-team selection, while Ball made the second squad. Now it’s up to the newcomers to keep that tradition going, regardless who the Lakers land during the free agent signing period.
“We have some core principles on how we want to build this team, and that it’s guys that are tough, guys that have high basketball IQ that loves the game, that love to compete, that can shoot, (and) that are skilled,” Pelinka said.
Johnson, Pelinka and the Lakers continue to meticulously work on upgrading the team into staunch playoff contenders. At least that is the goal for a team with 16 NBA titles already. However, the last time the Lakers played in an NBA Finals series seemed like eons ago when Kobe Bryant, Derek Fisher, and Pau Gasol collaborated together to bring LA back-to-back championships. That was then. This is now.
Now, for the Lakers, means getting the right players in place that could rejuvenate the organization back to elite status in the NBA. Well, let’s check that. The Lakers, as well as their longtime Eastern Conference rivals the Boston Celtics (17), are the gold standard when it comes to winning championships.
Since the two teams last tangled with one another in the 2010 NBA Finals in which the Lakers prevailed in seven games (4-3), both franchises have floundered on the court, though the Celtics seem to have regained their strut as of late, making it to the Eastern Conference Finals the last two years.
This summer could be a game-changer for the Lakers, a team that finished 11th in the Western Conference standings last season. If things don’t work out for the Purple and Gold to land at least one max player (they’re hoping two), then there is always the 2019 summer.
“If we don’t find who we think we can find, then we’ll turn our attention to next summer,” said Johnson. “We have the cap space and flexibility. We created that and we’re looking forward to Sunday. But again, we are not putting all of our marbles into one summer. So we understand that we have two summers to add to what we’re building here. I’m going to stay disciplined. I’m going to stay focused. I told you before this is not going to get turned around overnight. We’re building something. We want sustainability. Jeanie (Buss) is one hundred percent behind us and our strategy. We’ve been having unbelievable strategy meetings every single day.”
As the rumors continue to swirl around the team about what free agent will be walking through their practice facilities, Johnson and Pelinka look as if they’re quietly doing their due diligence in re-shaping their roster. Last year, the big splash for the management duo was drafting Ball.
Ball, Kuzma, and Brandon Ingram provided enough flash and dash for fans of the Lakers to be excited about the future. But considering the win now mentality in the NBA, how the Lakers used to roll out championships the way butter is put on soft rolls, and playing in the same Pacific Division as the reigning NBA champions Golden State Warriors, the future is a moment-by-moment experience.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker #3 backing down Glory Johnson #25 during the Dallas Wings vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 26, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chelsea Gray #12 in flight on a jumper during the Dallas Wings vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 26, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
Los Angeles, CA- Chelsea Gray puts last dagger in the Wings with a turnaround fade away jump shot with 20.1 on the clock 84-81.
The Sparks protected home court today coming from behind with a 87-83 victory over the Dallas Wings.
Just four days ago Wings gave the Sparks its worst loss of the year beating them 101-72, so tonight was a revenge game.
Candace Parker stepped it up leading the team scoring 29 points, 7 assists, and Gray also stepped up dropping 23 points.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker #3 going up during the Dallas Wings vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 26, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
“We realize we going to get everybody best shot,” said Parker, “I think it really helps us get ready for the playoffs.”
The Sparks went on 7-0 run lead by back to back shots by Parker and Sims contested layup to take the lead 71-68 in 4th quarter with under 8 minutes.
Parker made a low post move to the basket for an AND1 to give the Sparks just wanted they needed 3:16 78-73 lead. Next a no look pass to Beard for one of her assists.
“We can control what we do in LA we couldn’t let them rebound like they did the last game.” said Parker.
Dallas Wings Liz Cambage going up strong during the Dallas Wings vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 26, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
The Wings leaned on their center Liz Cambage in the paint knowing that Nneka Ogwumike would not be active. Cambage finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds and gave the Sparks fits.
The referees also played a part in making the Sparks have a hard uphill climb for this victory. In the first quarter the refs had called 8 personal fouls and 2 technical’s to slow down the flow.
Sparks coach Brian Agler even had to tell the referee during a free throw stop in play to “Do your job!”.
Agler got a second technical in 3 quarter 6:49 50-49 Sparks lead after a phantom foul on Beard just past half court.
Los Angeles Sparks guard Odyssey Sims #1 getting dirty during the Dallas Wings vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 26, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
“Don’t reward them for our good defense,” said Alger and that was enough to get send to the showers earlier.
Riquna Williams came in off the bench giving them a much needed spark hitting two quick three pointers. She continued her hot streak finishing with 12 points shooting 4/5 tonight from 3 point range.
Now the Sparks will go on the road to face Seattle Storm on Thursday June 28.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Essence Carson #17 going to block a shot during the Dallas Wings vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 26, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
WNBA 2018: Connecticut Sun vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on June 24, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 New)
WNBA 2018: Connecticut Sun vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on June 24, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 New)
Indianapolis, IN- Back at Bankers Fieldhouse was suppose to be enough for Indiana who took a lead into the locker room at the half.
The fourth quarter was not kind to the Indiana Fever when the Connecticut Sun outscored them 7 points to snatch the victory 87-78.
“Some things we did to ourselves, but I always have to give credit to the opposition. [Connecticut] got the rebounds and second-chance points and took advantage in those moments,” said Fever coach Pokey Chatman, “We talk a lot about pivotal moments.”
The Sun took this game away with 10 more fast break points and outscoring the Fever in the paint by 22 points.
WNBA 2018: Connecticut Sun vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on June 24, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 New)
All the Fever starters scored in double figures with center Natalie Achonwa finishing with team high 16 points and 7 rebounds.
Rachel Banham from the Sun’s bench led her all scorers with 20 points in only 23 minutes.
“It shouldn’t have been a surprise. We know that Banham is a shooter,” said Fever Candice Dupree, “She was 5-for-5 from the three.”
The Sun coming off a lost had a focus in the fourth quarter this game and it showed.
Brionna Jones was hard to stop last night has she gets 2 of her 18 on a put back during the Connecticut Sun vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on June 24, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana(photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 New)
“When it was starting to work there was an emphasis to get the ball inside,” said Sun coach Curt Miller, ” A lot of that goes to our players passing up some good shots to get a better shot and then Brionna Jones having a big night.”
The Fever continue to show flashes of greatness even shooting 46.3% from the field. Now they need to start their offense with defense.
“Definitely stick to what’s working,” said Fever Kelsey Mitchell, “Buy into knowing everything is not going to be the way you want it to go and kind of turn the page after plays that didn’t go right.”
WNBA 2018: Connecticut Sun vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on June 24, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 New)
The Fever will have a chance to turn the page and have a quick rematch with the Sun on Wednesday in Connecticut.
June 23, 2018 Los Angeles, CA.
MLS 2018: Los Angeles Football Club vs Columbus Crew SC at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on June 23, 2018. Rick Gurrola
June 23, 2018 Los Angeles, CA. Crew going over the top on a header during the Los Angeles Football Club vs Columbus Crew SC at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on June 23, 2018. Rick Gurrola
Los Angeles, CA- By the time the first half was half over, LAFC already held a 2 goal lead and that’s all they would need for a 2-0 win over Columbus Crew on Saturday night.
“It was a great win,” said LAFC head coach, Bob Bradley. “Get off to a quick start like that at home, it’s a good feeling.”
LAFC earned a free-kick in the 4th minute of the game. LAFC’s Laurent Ciman stepped up and ripped a 30-yard hopper that skipped by the keeper for a goal. The shot went left of the Columbus Crew free-kick wall and bounced next to the right goal post for LAFC’s 1-0 lead.
MLS 2018: Los Angeles Football Club vs Columbus Crew SC at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on June 23, 2018. Rick Gurrola
“I felt confident in taking that free-kick and getting it towards goal,” said Ciman.
Just 4 minutes later, the home team would strike again. Adame Diomande was just milometers from being offside, but Lee Nguyen shot him a leading thru ball and Diomande did the rest from 5 yards out.
“It is easy for me to come in and work when you know the playing style,” said Diomande.
MLS 2018: Los Angeles Football Club vs Columbus Crew SC at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on June 23, 2018. Rick Gurrola
Diomande and Nguyen were one of the last players added to the LAFC roster and have connected for some scored on the pitch.
“I just feel like we have a connection,” said Diomande. “We talk a lot on the field and I’m glad we have that connection already and hopefully we can get better.”
Los Angeles Football Club vs Columbus Crew SC at BANC OF CALIFORNIA Stadium in Los Angeles, Ca on June 23, 2018. Rick Gurrola
LAFC will be back in action Saturday when they host Philadelphia Union.
Arlington, TX – Azura’ Stevens had a good old-fashioned coming out shooting affair, as the Dallas Wings enjoyed routing the Los Angeles Sparks Friday night.
The rookie started for the first time and she didn’t disappoint the largest home crowd of the season. Every move Stevens made in the first half was made with sure confidence. She crashed the boards. She hurried to the opposite end of the floor in hopes of capitalizing on fast breaks. Stevens even shot with great poise from the three-point line. She split her four attempts from distance and wasn’t afraid to show her emotion. Her teammates celebrated right along with her.
The Wings set the tone on defense early and controlled the pace of the first half, leading by as many as 17 points. Despite two early first quarter fouls, center Liz Cambage scored 14 first half points and secured five rebounds.
Allisha Gray contributed 11 first half points. Starters Skylar Diggins-Smith and Kayla Thornton only managed two points respectively in the first half, but their defensive presence and 10 combined assists proved to be incredibly helpful for the Wings.
At one point the Sparks cut the lead to three points, but the Wings capitalized on hustle plays. At the half, the score was 47 – 33 in favor of the Wings.
The Sparks were determined to not let Diggins-Smith run all over them Friday night. They double teamed the star point guard and stuck to her like glue with every move she made. Diggins-Smith, however, didn’t allow the aggressive defense to stop her from finding her teammates. While her shot attempts were limited to just two, she finished the game with eleven assists.
“I complimented Skylar,” said Coach Fred Williams at the end of the night. “The other team keyed on Skylar a lot and she got rid of the ball when she needed to and it paid off for us.”
The Sparks attempted to make a second half run, but the Wings were simply too much. Everyone was involved in the Wings offensive scheme. Glory Johnson scored eight points. Aerial Powers exploded off of the bench with 16 points.
New arrival Cayla George even hit two three-point shots in her 12 minutes of play. Cambage completed her sixth 20-point game of the season.
The Wings appeared to have fun throughout the entire game. They shared the ball well and capitalized on the Sparks’ mistakes. Candace Parker was held to just nine points. Nneka Ogwumike was the only Los Angeles player to score double digits, with her 17 points.
Total team effort for the Wings resulted in total domination, as they defeated the Sparks 101 – 72. The Wings (6-5) are scheduled to face the Sparks (9-3) again in Los Angeles next Tuesday.
The Sparks celebrate after the Indiana Fever vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 19, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
Los Angeles Sparks forward Candace Parker #3 shooting from downtown during the Indiana Fever vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 19, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
Los Angeles, CA- It was a team effort in Tuesday nights win for the Los Angeles Sparks but Candace Parker lead the team with 15 points and 5 rebounds to defeat the Indiana Fever 74-55 (1-11).
Chelsea Gray chipped in with 14 points 7 assists and 5 rebounds.
“We know their record doesn’t show how good they are,” said Sparks superstar Candace Parker. “Indiana is a good team. We were able to pull through on the defensive end and get our offense going late”.
Los Angeles Sparks guard Chelsea Gray #12 at the point during the Indiana Fever vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 19, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
It’s the Sparks 5th consecutive win and boost their record to 9-2. LA holds the first spot in the western conference in front of the 10-3 Phoenix Mercury.
Without much time to practice in between games, the Sparks have patched up a bit of their offensive mistakes by gaining a bit more chemistry. Los Angeles committed a total of 47 turnovers in its previous 3 games leading up to Tuesday. The Sparks only committed 8 turnovers tonight.
“It’s a working progress for us,” said Sparks Elana Beard. “Unfortunately, we haven’t really had time to practice. A lot of it (improvement) has been film, conversations, but I have been really impressed how we apply those film sessions and conversations on to court play.”
Indiana Fever #35 Victoria Vivians elevating on a shot during the Indiana Fever vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 19, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
The Sparks lead 35-33 at the half. Los Angeles opened up a ten point victory in the 3rd quarter but Indiana kept it close majority of the contest. The Sparks gained separation with under two minutes to go in the game when Gray capped off a 12 point run for Los Angeles to give them a 70-53 lead.
The Sparks are used to extending their win streak and ending their opponents. Last week Los Angeles ended Atlanta’s 3 game winning-streak. Indiana was coming off of its first win of the season.
Los Angeles Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike #30 in new Nigerian inspired Adidas during the Indiana Fever vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 19, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
The Fever were lead by Natalie Achonwa who had 13 points.
Los Angeles travels to Dallas for a 5 p.m. PT tip-off on Friday night.
Erica Wheeler going baseline against Monique Billings during the Atlanta Dream vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on June 16, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 New)
Victoria Vivians driving against Angel McCoughtry as these two battle all night during the Atlanta Dream vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on June 16, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 New)
Indianapolis, In- They always say there no place like home. Bankers Fieldhouse was just what Indiana Fever need to break into the win column for their first victory of the season.
The Fever didn’t just win they flat out dominated the Atlanta Dream 96-64. A breakout third quarter put this game out of reach.
With three rookies the Fever never know who’s going to be hot as the team is still feeling each other out. Tonight Victoria Vivians lead the way scoring 21 points, with five three pointers.
Victoria Vivians was on fire tonight from behind the three point line. As she goes 5 for 8 behind the three point line on June 16, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 New)
Fever rookie Kelsey Mitchell poured in 19 points, with 5 assists on the night.
“We can’t turn this and make this the one we win,” Mitchell said. “I can make this our pick-me-up for the rest of the season.”
They finally put together a complete game and it showed, coaches words this season were not in vain.
Stephanie Mavunga on the baseline with a jump shoot
during the Atlanta Dream vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on June 16, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana (photo by Andre Hollis / fi360 New)
“It was just nice to get the first one out of the way,” Fever coach Pokey Chatman said. “It wasn’t just holding onto the win. It was nice to sub people and the momentum continued in all phases of basketball.”
It took them 11 games to taste the sweet taste of victory, but most games this season they always fought hard.
“That’s the franchise,” Erica Wheeler said. “If you look up Indiana Fever, you always have teams of dogs. That’s what we got. We just need to get over the hump.”
Angel McCoughtry on the drive 2 of her 19 points during the Atlanta Dream vs Indiana Fever at Bankers Field House on June 16, 2018 Indianapolis Indiana (photo by AndreHollis / fi360 New)
The credit goes to the defense holding the Dream to 37% shooting from the field and 20% from behind the arc.
Now it’s time to build on this win and begin to rack up a few in a row even on the road.
“I was telling Ms. Beth that we work our tail off to trust the process and a little of our hard work finally pays off,” Mitchell said. “Not that it’s dramatic that we win, but it is because we’ve been on a drought. To get a win, it feels good.”
during the Atlanta Dream vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 12, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
Alana Beard taking a charge during the Atlanta Dream vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 12, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
Los Angeles, CA- The Los Angeles Sparks have major improving to do if they want to end the season hoisting up a championship trophy and former champion Candice Parker is admitting to that.
“We just have to be decisive with the ball,” said Parker. “If we are going to run then we have to run, if we are going to set it up then we have to set it up.”
The Sparks committed 16 turnovers but managed to pull off a 72-64 victory over the Atlanta Dream. LA ends its 5 game home stand with a record of 4-1 and now it the road for two games.
Chelsea Gray going in the lane during the Atlanta Dream vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 12, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
In the first half, until the final 3 minutes it was a competitive, back and forth game. Parkers 13 points in the first half and a couple of buckets by Chelsea Gray helped the Sparks separate to head into the locker room with a 43-32 lead.
LA extended its lead to 14 in the third quarter with a Gray lay-up but that’s as far as it would go. Atlanta clawed its way back into the contest in the 4th quarter. A shot by Atlanta’s Imani McGee-Stafford cut the Sparks lead 61-55 with 5:08 remaining in the game.
The game wasn’t yet in the bag for the Sparks until there were only 41 seconds remaining. LA guard Odyssey Sims took the ball hard to the paints and made a pretty floater over two Dream defenders to give the home team an 8-point lead.
during the Atlanta Dream vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 12, 2018. (Photo by Rick Gurrola)
“We did a heck of a job and played solid defense,” said LA’s Essence Carson. “That’s really what we are focusing on, just getting stops.”
Parker finished with 18 points, Nneka Ogwumike racked up another double-double with 11 points and 10 boards. Gray had 7 assists for the Sparks tacking on 10 points.
