Candace Parker Leads They Way to Victory!

WNBA 2016: Seattle Storm vs Los Angeles Sparks opening game of 20th WNBA Season at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on May 15, 2016. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Full Image 360)

 

Los Angeles, Ca – The Los Angeles Sparks started off the WNBA 20th season on a good foot defeating the Seattle Storm 96-66. What a difference a year makes, having your players ready and on the court to start the season. It’s only game one of the season but the Sparks ready for a run.

Candace Parker dropped 21 points for the Sparks in first half allowing her team to jump to 25 point lead. Parker completed the game with 34 points, 50% from 3 point land. Guard Kristi Toliver scored 14 points, 4 assist with some timely shots in the first half. All Star Nneka Ogwumike pulled down 7 rebounds with 13 points facing rookie Breanna Stewart.

The Sparks started the game with a little showtime flare, everyone seemed to know exactly where each player was on the court. The Sparks 8-0 start set the tone even after the Storm had a run of their own. Sparks Coach Brian Agler said, “I was very pleased with their energy & enthusiasm today.”

Stewart didn’t disappoint the Storms in her debut 23 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assist & a block in 34 minutes of play. Sometimes a rookie needs to get comfortable but not Stewart, she stepped up big in a lopsided defeat. Storm guard Jewell Loyd dropped 20 points, 8/8 free throw line & 5 assists.

The teams just traded baskets back in forth for the first six minutes in the 3rd quarter with a score of 62-39. There was some good basketball being played by both teams going into the fourth quarter. The Sparks regrouped lead by Parker who just refused to lose. New comer Essence Carson who scored 9 points dropped a late bucket to keep the game in hand.

They will get back to the gym to work so they can continue to play Sparks Basketball for the next 33 games. Sparks will travel to Washington to face the Washington Mystics on Friday May 20th at 4:00pm.