NFL Los Angeles Rams Training Camp joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers at the Crawford Field in Irvine, Ca on August 9, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Philip Rivers at the line during camp for Los Angeles Chargers at the Crawford Field in Irvine, Ca on August 9, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Irvine, Ca – With another week of training camp in the books, the Los Angeles Chargers held a light practice in helmets and shorts on Friday as they prepare for their first preseason game of the season against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at the StubHub Center.
The game against Seattle will be used as an evaluation tool while the coaches will be looking at how the players pick up the base things they are implementing.
Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said the game will give them an understanding of some of the defense they have installed and what they are trying to get done.
Coach Anthony Lynn at the Los Angeles Chargers at the Crawford Field in Irvine, Ca on August 9, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
“You want them to go out there and not be confused,” Bradley said. “Just see who can run and hit. That will be the theme, run and hit; and just check out the skillset of all the players.”
With new concepts and schemes, the coaches are asking different things from the players. Bradley said the transition hasn’t been real tough with players like Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram.
“You have flexibility with Joey Bosa playing a big end at 3-4 and he can play a base end in the 4-3,” Bradley said. “A guy like Melvin, an outside linebacker in the 3-4 is more of a Leo rusher for us. He did that 70 percent of the time anyway.”
NFL Los Angeles Rams Training Camp joint practice with the Los Angeles Chargers at the Crawford Field in Irvine, Ca on August 9, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
With it being the first preseason game, the coaches want to keep miscues to a minimum and play mistake-free football. Offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt said one game is not going to make or break a player to a large degree, but getting a chance to see them in this first game is a big deal.
“You can go out here and you can put them in game-type situations all you want going against the defense,” Whisenhunt said. “But when you start talking about tackling and cutting guys and getting to full speed, it’s different.”
Cardale Jones (5)
Joey Bosa (99)
A sellout crowd is expected at the StubHub Center on Sunday as the Chargers will play its first game as a Los Angeles Chargers.
WNBA 2017: New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 4, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Candace Parker driving during the New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 4, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, CA – The LA Sparks cruise to another victory at home with great defense 87-74 over the New York Liberty on Friday night at Staples.
Going into the half the Sparks had let the Liberty back in the game giving up 12 fast break points. The lapse in defense allowed them to chip away with 22 points in the paint.
There is a reason why you play all four quarters of a basketball game.
Candace Parker who scored 8 of her team high 24 points in third to allow for her team to regain the lead.
Alana Beard (3) fronting Tina Charles (31) during the New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 4, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
“We played our best in the third quarter defensively,” said Sparks head coach Brian Agler, “Our defense fueled our offense.”
This team all season has gone through spells of inconsistent play, but when they focus on their defense they are a tough to stay with.
The Liberty were held to just 11 points in third quarter and the Sparks never really looked back after scoring 25. They stretched their lead to as much as 20 points in the fourth quarter.
Odyssey Sims turn the corner during the New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 4, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Coach Agler who has inserted Odyssey Sims into the starting line-up, looks brilliant based on her play. Tonight Sims exploded scoring 20 points in 34 minutes with no turnovers in the game.
“We have a great team,” said Sims “You never know who going to break out.”
As this team continues to play more games together who knows where the chemistry can take them.
Nneka Ogwumike fighting for space on the baseline during the New York Liberty vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on August 4, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Nneka Ogwumike who also had strong performance with 17 points, four rebounds, and six assists in the game.
“Every year like starting from scratch,” said Ogwemike.
That has been a rally call for this team, even coach spoke about this squad has been moving in the right direction.
“I challenged them to be the best team we can be.” said Agler.
So New York was just one more team standing in the way of the Sparks who are fighting for one of the top two seeds in this new playoff format adopted last year.
Tina Charles of Liberty who was slowed down with foul trouble still scored 10 points despite missing a whole quarter of play.
New York leading scorer was guard Bria Hartley with 16 points, and three assists for the game.
The Sparks now move their record to 18-6, and will meet Dallas Wings Sunday to start five game road trip.
BURBANK, CA - JULY 31: Studio Tour Hollywood Adds Wonder Woman Exhibit to DC Universe: The Exhibit at Warner Bros. Tour Center on July 31, 2017 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Jevone Moore/fi360 News)
BURBANK, CA – JULY 31: Studio Tour Hollywood Adds Wonder Woman Exhibit to DC Universe: The Exhibit at Warner Bros. Tour Center on July 31, 2017 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Jevone Moore/fi360 News)
WONDER WOMAN IS COMING TO DC UNIVERSE: THE EXHIBIT
AT WARNER BROS. STUDIO TOUR HOLLYWOOD
FEATURING AUTHENTIC COSTUMES AND PROPS FROM THE BLOCKBUSTER FILM
Burbank, Ca – Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood will celebrate Wonder Woman—the summer’s hottest movie release with more than $726 million at the global box office—with a new behind-the-scenes experience to be showcased as part of the Studio Tour located in DC Universe: The Exhibit. The new Wonder Woman exhibit will provide fans the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the world of the film. Wonder Woman stars Lucy Davis (Etta), Eugene Brave Rock (The Chief), Samantha Jo (Euboea) Caitlin Dechelle (Stunt Double to Gal Gadot), and Michaela Facchinello (Stunt Double to Robin Wright) will kick off the Press Preview on Monday, July 31 at 11AM at Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, 3400 W. Riverside Drive, Burbank.
Props and costumes are seen as Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood adds a Wonder Woman Exhibit to DC Universe:
(L-R) Actors Caitlin Dechelle, Samantha Jo and Mickey Facchinello attend an event as Warner Bros. Studio Tour
For the first time, fans will be able to view a collection of authentic props and costumes worn by Gal Gadot (Diana Prince /Wonder Woman), including her Lasso of Hestia, armor, tiara, and her signature sword. Props and costumes worn and utilized by Chris Pine (Steve Trevor), Danny Huston (General Ludendorff), Elena Anaya (Dr. Maru), Said Taghmaoui (Sameer), Ewen Bremner (Charlie), and Eugene Brave Rock (The Chief) will be on display for visitors to enjoy as well.
The new Wonder Woman exhibit will showcase a variety of memorable set design elements from the film, including a recreation of the Amazon armory, complete with costumes, props, and décor; the relic display with Diana’s sword; the No Man’s Land vignette, with gas masks and Dr. Maru’s Laboratory; and the ornate London department store set with original costumes and props from the sequence in the movie where Diana, Princess of Themyscira is transformed into Diana Prince.
The Wonder Woman exhibit at the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood opens to the public July 31, 2017.
About Wonder Woman
Before she was Wonder Woman, she was Diana, princess of the Amazons, trained to be an unconquerable warrior. Raised on a sheltered island paradise, when an American pilot crashes on their shores and tells of a massive conflict raging in the outside world, Diana leaves her home, convinced she can stop the threat. Fighting alongside man in a war to end all wars, Diana will discover her full powers…and her true destiny.
Wonder Woman hit movie theaters around the world June 2, 2017, when Gal Gadot returned as the title character in the epic action adventure Wonder Woman. The film also stars Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Connie Nielsen and Elena Anaya.
BURBANK, CA – JULY 31: (L-R) Actors Eugene Brave Rock, Lucy Davis, Samantha Jo, Caitlin Dechelle and Mickey Facchinello attend an event as Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood Adds Wonder Woman Exhibit to DC Universe: Studio Tour Hollywood Adds Wonder Woman Exhibit to DC Universe: The Exhibit at Warner Bros. Tour Center on July 31, 2017 in Burbank, California. (Photo by Jevone Moore/fi360 News)
Patty Jenkins directed the film from a screenplay by Allan Heinberg, story by Zack Snyder & Allan Heinberg and Jason Fuchs, based on characters from DC Entertainment. Wonder Woman was created by William Moulton Marston. The film was produced by Charles Roven, Zack Snyder, Deborah Snyder and Richard Suckle, with Stephen Jones, Geoff Johns, Wesley Coller, Jon Berg and Rebecca Steel Roven serving as executive producers.
Warner Bros. Pictures presents, in association with Tencent Pictures and Wanda Pictures, an Atlas Entertainment/Cruel and Unusual production, Wonder Woman. The film is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company. www.wonderwomanfilm.com
About Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood was a recipient of Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards and has been recognized as one of the Top 25 Attractions in the United States. Fans get to see the real sets and soundstages where the greatest names in entertainment made history as they touch, tour and explore the iconic 110-acre studio.
A visit includes a rare look inside many of the lot’s production areas as well as the innovative Stage 48: Script to Screen. The interactive soundstage offers guests the unique opportunity to explore the full film and television production process, step onto the Friends set to sit on the iconic orange couch, and experience firsthand the glory of awards season. Guests explore the Archive, which currently showcases the tour’s latest addition, the Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts exhibit, offering an in-depth look at how J.K. Rowling’s Wizarding World has been brought to life over the past 15 years. The Archive also houses DC Universe: The Exhibit, paying homage to the origins of DC Comics and featuring a display of original comic books representing all seven Super Heroes of the Justice League. Additionally, guests can explore authentic props and costumes from Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad, and Wonder Woman. Guests also stop by the Property Department, which features one of the largest selections of rare antiquities and modern furniture, rugs, drapery, lighting, and hand props from Hollywood’s golden era, followed by the Picture Car Vault, home to some of Batman’s most famous vehicles.
Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood is open Monday through Sunday, 9:00AM to 4:00PM, with studio tours departing every 30 minutes and extended hours offered during the summer, spring break, and winter holiday seasons. Reservations are recommended and all children eight years or older are welcome. Tickets can be purchased online at www.wbstudiotour.com or by calling 818-977-TOUR (8687).
Nneka Ogwumike taking a charge from Glory Johnson during the Dallas Wings vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 13, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Chelsea Gray carving up the paint at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 13, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360 file photo)
The Dallas Wings have adopted an unfortunate team slogan.
“There’s no ‘D’ in Dallas;” meaning there’s no defense.
Best believe the Los Angeles Sparks took note of that.
The Sparks poured in 95 points against the travelling Dallas Wings in its 95-74 win at STAPLES Center on Sunday, this after Dallas gave up 109 points in its loss to the Seattle Storm on Friday.
Coming off her historic triple-double against San Antonio on Friday, Candace Parker grabbed a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds to go along with five assists. Nneka Ogwumike tallied 22 points and seven rebounds, while Chelsea Gray ended her streak of back-to-back single-digit scoring with a 16-point display.
As the Sparks distributed a season-high 28 assists Sunday afternoon, eight of those came from Odyssey Sims’ season-high assists tally. Gray also tied her career-high eight assists.
“Odyssey in our lineup helps (the rhythm of the game),” Los Angeles Sparks head coach Brian Agler said. “The tempo is quicker when she’s on the floor and Candace pushes the ball well and we want to keep encourage Chelsea to do that too.
“You can’t do that unless you get stops. They got to the free-throw quite a bit on us tonight and when they didn’t, we were getting stops and pushing on transition,” he concluded.
Aerial Powers put up 23 points for the Dallas Wings.
Parker and Ogwumike combined for 31 of the Sparks 49 first-half points, with the latter going for a perfect 6-for-6 shooting in the half.
In a high-octane first quarter, the Sparks poured in 20 points five minutes into the game. Los Angeles capitalized on three quick Dallas turnovers that helped Parker jump to 12 points for in the same time-span.
“Candace is playing very well right now at both ends,” Agler said. “I like how she’s distributing the ball and I like how she’s taking things to the rim – finishing around the rim. We need her to continue that way.”
Though the team settled down for the rest of the quarter, the Sparks maintained momentum and the double-digit lead heading into the second quarter.
The Wings regrouped at the start of the second quarter to cut its deficit to five midway into the frame.
Then things got chippy.
The Sparks put up eight fouls for the rest of the half and the Wings took full advantage of it to stay within distance. The Wings finished the game shooting 28-for-31 from the line.
Though Parker and the Sparks cooled down, Ogwumike stepped up and garnered eight more points in the quarter to keep the Sparks’ lead intact.
“I’m really proud of us in the second half and we really stopped fouling,” Parker said. “We go to ourselves. We go to our huddle. We let Coach Agler handle (the calls) and we just focus on the game and the next play, and that’s what we did.”
As the Wings attempted to further disrupt the Sparks’ momentum at the start of the second half, Los Angeles inevitably regained focused and outscored the Wings 10-0 with three minutes left in the third quarter to establish a 19-point lead heading into the final 10 minutes of the game.
The Sparks added to its lead, eventually stretching it to a game-high 24 points in the final frame.
Larry Scott during the PAC-12 Football Media Day 2017. Live at Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Center in Los Angeles, Ca. on July 26, 2017 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Chris Petersen Washington Huskies (fi360 News)
Los Angeles, Ca – The PAC-12 Media Day was in full swing Wednesday July 26, 2017 at the Hollywood & Highland Entertainment Center in the Ray Dolby Ballroom.
Media day kicked off with commissioner Larry Scott letting the room know who the PAC-12 is best conference from top to bottom across all sports.
UCLA coach Jim Mora during the PAC-12 Football Media Day 2017. Live at Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Center in Los Angeles, Ca. on July 26, 2017 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Last school year the PAC-12 was the first ever conference to reach 500 National Championships. The conference finished with 501 to be exact, with the next closest conference more than 200 Wins behind.
12th year in row holding most NCAA Champions in that current year
2016-2017 Season PAC-12 won 13 NCAA Champions
At Summer Olympics if PAC-12 was country they would finished 5th in the World Medal Count
First Pick of NBA, WNBA, and MLS were from PAC-12
Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez
OSU coach Gary Andersen
“Undisputed dominance in the country,” said commissioner Scott when he wrapped up his feelings on the conference as a whole.
On day one stepping to the podiums were Arizona Wildcats, California Bears, Colorado Buffaloes, Oregon State Beavers, UCLA Bruins, and Washington Huskies.
Colorado coach Mike Macintyre during the PAC-12 Football Media Day 2017. Live at Ray Dolby Ballroom at the Hollywood and Highland Entertainment Center in Los Angeles, Ca. on July 26, 2017 (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Last year PAC-12 football champions the Washington Huskies brought quarterback Jake Browning, linebacker Keishawn Bierria, with coach Chris Peterson.
For the Huskies they will need to stay healthy and have some luck like last year keeping guys on the field.
” This is kind of one of the exciting things I think about college football; that you lose these players and you’ve got to replace them.” said coach Peterson.
California Bears 1st year head coach Justin Wilcox
Once the Bruins took the podiums you could just feel the buzz in the room. They finished off last season on down note not making a bowl game. With this being a new season coach Jim Mora sound upbeat and pretty optimistic for upcoming season.
“Our players have had — we’ve had 25 player-run practices where everybody’s there.” said Mora, “They’re having to compete and cooperate at the same time.”
This year football season should be a great one with 44 games on major networks for the fans to view. Also the PAC-12 will show an additional 35 games on their Networks.
WNBA 2017: Seattle Storm vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 25, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Candace Parker looking to shoot over Breanna Stewart during the Seattle Storm vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 25, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, Ca – A bit of role reversal at STAPLES Center.
After the Los Angeles Sparks had a dominating second quarter at home on Tuesday night, the visiting Seattle Storm flipped the script in the third frame and put the Sparks on its heels.
But Candace Parker and the Sparks regrouped and fended off a hot Storm run to win 68-60 in the team’s return from the All-Star break.
“Seattle like to run their sets and my teammates were able to get our hands on the ball,” said Parker
Jantel Lavender 14 points
Lavender on Defense
Nneka Ogwumike 10 rebounds
Parker tallied a double-double with a team-high 17 points and 10 rebounds, followed by Jantel Lavender’s 14 points. Nneka Ogwumike also grabbed a double-double with 13 points and 10 boards.
The Storm’s Rookie of the Year forward Breanna Stewart led the game with 23 points.
Stewart started hot for the Storm, draining 10 of Seattle’s 19 points in the first quarter and hitting the 1000-point milestone.
But as Stewart was making her shots, so was Parker, who tallied six of the Sparks’ first points. The Sparks, though succeeding to not turn the ball over, only closed out the first quarter with a 21-19 lead.
Ogwumike Contesting Shots
Jewell Loyd 13 points
Stewart sat out at the beginning of the second quarter, cooling off her shot and only mustering five points in the frame as the Storm struggled to establish a scoring run.
After Storm center Crystal Langhorne’s scored her first bucket, Seattle couldn’t find the basket to halt the Sparks’ run. Bird ended the Storm’s scoreless streak at the 3:55 mark, but Seattle only mustered a season-low 10 points in the second frame after closing on a 7-1 run.
“Most definitely our defense stepped up,” said Lavender “Didn’t let all their stars get off.”
In the meantime, the Sparks dominated the court going on a 16-2 run for 6:45. Parker and Lavender led Los Angeles in double-digit scoring in the first half, with 14 and 12 points respectively as the Sparks closed the half with a 40-29 lead.
Though the Sparks opened the second half with a layup from Ogwumike, the Storm ended up with the momentum and scored 11 unanswered points capped by Bird’s pull-up jumper to tie the game at 42 with 4:47 left in the quarter.
Stewart’s dry spell carried over to Parker, who’s 14 first-half points stood for the rest of the third quarter.
Noelle Quinn drove down the lane seconds later for an easy lay-up to give the Storm its first lead of the game since the first quarter. Bird’s mid-range jumper moments later catapulted her over Storm great Lauren Jackson for a franchise-record field-goals made.
The Sparks struggled in the third, but eventually regained its composure and the lead, and maintained its focus the rest of the half to fend off the Storm.
WNBA 2017: Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 20, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Chicago Sky Keisha Hampton shooting in lane during the Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 20, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, Ca – The Chicago Sky fought back with timely shots to defeat the Los Angeles Sparks 82-80 at Staples Center.
Coming out of the time out with 20.4 left on clock being down 80-79, the Sky went to an unlikely shooter Stefanie Dolson the center to drop three pointer from the corner. Dolson finished with a team high 15 points.
Nneka Ogwumike scoring two of her 24 points during the Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 20, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
The Sparks still had an opportunity with 13.7 left in the game but Nneka Ogwumike’s shot was tipped away by Imani Boyette to seal the victory.
Even with it being the loudest game of the year, the Sky showed the Los Angeles Camp Day campers their never give up attitude.
The visiting Sky who had won their last six games in row, were able to break the Sparks undefeated home winning record.
Players going for loose ball during the Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 20, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
“When you play a team that’s more hungry, they’re going to get that win,” said coach Brian Agler, “They have a new staff that has them playing smart basketball.”
The first quarter of play saw both teams get off to a great start shooting 50 percent from the field being tied at 21 points apiece. By halftime the Sparks managed to push the lead to 45-35.
Ogwemike showed her range with two three points to keep her team in the game in the first half of play. She finished with a team high 24 points but would have loved to scored just one more basket.
“We were not getting consistent stops,” said Ogwemike on how they let a 10 point halftime lead get away.
The Sky fought back finishing with same 50 percent shooting from the field and owning the fast break points battle 7/0 over the Sparks.
“I thought we had opportunities to win this game,” said Alger, “They just made some timely shots.”
Candace Parker elevating during the Chicago Sky vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 20, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
The Sparks can be pleased overall with the first 20 games of the season going into All Star Break in Seattle. This year will be a first for teammate Chelsea Gray making All Star Game averaging 15.8 points and game.
They will have three players in this year’s game Candace Parker as starter, Nneka Ogwumike, and Gray representing the Sparks.
“We are very proud of her(Gray),” said Ogwemike
The WNBA All Star game will be in Seattle on July 22nd at 12:30 pm on ABC.
WNBA 2017: Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 2, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Chelsea Gray carving up the paint at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 13, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks regrouped early to quell the Indiana Fever’s first half battle to maintain a perfect home record with a 80-62 win at STAPLES Center on Monday night.
Chelsea Gray’s game-high 16 points combined with Nneka Ogwumike’s fifth double-double of the season easily kept the Sparks stay undefeated at home midway into the season.
“To be good at anything, it doesn’t matter what you’re doing, you have to enjoy what you’re doing,” Los Angeles Sparks head coach Brian Agler said. “It’s nice to see them enjoying, not only having success, but how they’re playing with each other and how they enjoy just being out there on the floor together.”
“When you do that and you build that chemistry, then you’re only going to keep getting better,” he concluded.
Coach Brian Agler at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on June 13, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
The Sparks (14-5) stayed aggressive driving down the lane all game, outscoring the Fever 52-16 in the paint.
“We’re trying to be consistent with not settling with outside jumpers,” Gray said, who finished 7-of-9 from the floor with five assists. “Once we get into the paint, if we don’t have a lay-up, then we’ll kick it out.”
Ogwumike finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds and a season-high six assists, while forward Candace Parker also scored 14 points to go along with nine rebounds, four blocks and three steals.
Indiana Fever guard Briann January led the team with 12 points.
“The difference in the second half was keeping (the Fever) out of the lane and also getting into the lane as well,” Parker said. “Also, we weren’t missing as easy lay-ups like we were in the first half.”
It was business as usual for the Sparks in the opening minutes of the game as Ogwumike opened up the game with back-to-back buckets and Parker grabbed consecutive steals to net a 12-4 lead.
But the Fever (7-12) came back from time-out on an 8-0 run to tie it 12-12 midway into the frame. The Sparks didn’t let up, but couldn’t score on many opportunities in the key and were forced to settle with a 22-19 lead at the end of the first.
The lead didn’t last long. Indiana grabbed a one-point, 27-26 lead less than three minutes into the second quarter off of a Tiffany Mitchell corner three.
Then Parker, who didn’t score in the first quarter, netted back-to-back baskets to regain the Sparks’ lead.
Both teams failed to score for two minutes before Sparks rookie Sydney Wiese nailed one from distance to cap a 10-0 run and net a 37-27 lead with less than three minutes left in the half.
The Fever’s drought didn’t last much longer after that, as Mitchell sank a pair of free-throws before the half ended.
The Sparks started cruising through the second half and stretched the lead to 19 in the third.
Gray and Ogwumike continued to stroll down the lane and handing out scoring opportunities to Parker, Riquna Williams and Alana Beard, and kept the Fever out at bay struggling to regroup.
Los Angeles, CA - JULY 11: Attendes at the The Sports Humanitarian Awards sponsored by ESPN at L.A. Live's The NOVO on July 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jevone Moore/fi360 News)
Los Angeles, CA – JULY 11: Host Mike Greenberg and Laila Ali at the The Sports Humanitarian Awards sponsored by ESPN at L.A. Live’s The NOVO on July 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jevone Moore/fi360 News)
The third annual Sports Humanitarian Awards, sponsored by ESPN and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, will celebrate and honor leagues, teams, individuals and members of the sporting community that are using the power of sport to inspire social good. The sports industry-wide event will be held on Tuesday, July 11 at L.A. LIVE’s The Novo, which for the first time serves as the venue sponsor for the event.
To honor the legacy of Muhammad Ali’s impact on society, the Sports Humanitarian Award, which is given to an athlete whose continuous, demonstrated leadership has created a measured, positive impact on their community through sports, will be renamed the “Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award.”
Angie Harmon
Ibtihaj Muhammad
Cari Champion
Just like Ali, the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award recipient must embrace common moral decencies including integrity, justice, honesty, truthfulness and responsibility. He or she must have impacted the lives of those in need through selflessness, courageousness and compassion.
During the evening, winners will be announced from five award categories, including:
The Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award
The Sports Humanitarian Team Award
The Corporate Community Impact Award
The League Humanitarian Leadership Award
The Stuart Scott ENSPIRE Award
“There was perhaps no greater humanitarian in sports than Muhammad Ali — he was an ambassador for peace and inspired people around the world,” said Kevin Martinez, vice president of ESPN Corporate Citizenship. “We’re thrilled to work with the Ali family and the Muhammad Ali Center to celebrate his legacy and to recognize the next generation of athletes that are striving to follow in his footsteps.”
Laila Ali having fun before hitting the carpet.
“It’s an honor to collaborate with ESPN to establish the Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award,” said Lonnie Ali. “Having an award in Muhammad’s name honoring active athletes helps shine a light on what he valued so deeply – using opportunities and platforms, connecting sports with society, and advancing important causes for humanity.”
Muhammad Ali’s daughter, Laila Ali, will return as host for the event, alongside ESPN co-host Mike Greenberg. Highlights of the evening will be showcased during a one-hour program (increased from the 30-minutes last year) on ESPN, July 25, at 7 p.m. ET.
ESPN will grant a total of $100,000 to the charities of the winners and $25,000 for each of the finalists. Additionally, the net proceeds of the event will once again benefit the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund at the V Foundation. Last year, a total of $785,000 was raised for the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, which along with ESPN’s contributions in recognition of the honorees, resulted in a total of $1.7 million distributed to the community.
In support of the V Foundation, Bristol Myers-Squibb will serve alongside ESPN as the presenting sponsor of the Sports Humanitarian Awards.
Los Angeles, CA – JULY 11: Angie Harmon at the The Sports Humanitarian Awards sponsored by ESPN at L.A. Live’s The NOVO on July 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jevone Moore/fi360 News)
“Creating positive change in our communities and enriching the lives of others are at the heart of the Sports Humanitarian Awards, which are also core values we embrace at Bristol-Myers Squibb,” said Murdo Gordon, chief commercial officer, Bristol-Myers Squibb. “We are proud to join ESPN in this meaningful initiative to honor the most inspiring figures today from the world of sports.”
Finalists for the Awards will be announced in June.
About ESPN Corporate Citizenship ESPN believes that, at its very best, sports uplifts the human spirit. Its corporate citizenship programs use power of sport to positively address society’s needs through strategic community investments, cause marketing programs, collaboration with sports organizations and employee volunteerism, while also utilizing its diverse media assets. For more information go to www.espn.com/citizenship.
About Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is one of the most recognizable and influential sports figures of all time. His countless awards and accolades include being named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsman of the Century,” GQ’s “Athlete of the Century,” and being the recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freeman and the Amnesty International Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to his groundbreaking achievements as an athlete, Muhammad Ali was a global citizen who dedicated much of his life to helping those in need. He facilitated the delivery of medical supplies to an embargoed Cuba, provided more than 22 million meals to the world’s hungry and helped secure the release of fifteen U.S. hostages from Iraq during the first Gulf War.
About Bristol-Myers Squibb
Bristol-Myers Squibb is a global biopharmaceutical company whose mission is to discover, develop and deliver innovative medicines that help patients prevail over serious diseases. For more information about Bristol-Myers Squibb, visit us at BMS.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube and Facebook.
WNBA 2017: Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 2, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Candace Parker applying pressure on Elena Dell Donne in the second half of the WNBA game between the Washington Mystics vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 2, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Los Angeles, CA – When you are forced to dig down deep and leave all excuses at the door, you can overcome a 17 point deficit like the Los Angeles Sparks did today. The Sparks defeated the Washington Mystics 76-69 due to playing a complete game and finding some energy.
The Sparks energy was just nonexistent in the first half with a little defense and flat shots, on top of not moving their feet which resulted in easy fouls.
ALL-WNBA second team Nneka Ogwumike finding space at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on July 2, 2017. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)
Nneka Ogwumike picked up four fouls in first half that limited here playing time some but she still dropped 15 points for her team. Candace Parker & Chelsea Gray both finished with a team high 17 points apiece.
After a explosive first half by the Mystics, the Sparks decided to step up. “We have great interior leadership,” said coach Brian Agler “It wasn’t about XO’s, it was about energy.”
Coach was referring to Parker, Ogwumike, and Alana Beard as the veterans that the team feeds off their energy. By the end of third quarter the Sparks had cut the lead down to three points. Parker gave credit to the fans, “Our fans have been great.”
When you break down a game that coach says was all about energy, Beard explained the mindset this team has and how they were able to pull this game out. “Preparation and Trust within this team,” said Beard, “Trust always allows us to know we can win.”
Candace Parker in the crowd
Coach Brian Agler
Parker to the rack
For the Mystic Elena Delle Done lead her team with 22 points in only 29 minutes due to her own foul trouble. “It is frustrating to play such a good first half, and not the best second half,” said Delle Done, “(We will have) lots of great take a ways from this loss.”
The Sparks showed us why they are able to win on road and pull off games that they need to win even when they were not at their best.
Just coming back from a 10 day road trip the team will have off Monday and practice Tuesday morning before flying to Minnesota to face the red hot Lynx. The Sparks move their record to 12-3 poised to face the first place team in the league this Thursday July 6th.
