
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.
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.”
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.