Los Angeles, Ca- Live at the Staples Center The LA Sparks put on a clinic with this 84 – 57 victory over the visiting Tulsa Shock. The team was all smiles and meet at half court at the completion of the game for a final huddle.
The Sparks and Shock have already had two meet ups this season. In their first meeting the Sparks guard Kristi Toliver help lead the Sparks To a 98-95 victory, setting a new franchise mark and career high of 43 points.
The Sparks step out on the court ready to get this party started nice and early by sinking the first basket. That basket really set the tone for the complete game. The Sparks made the Shock play their game at their pace and with that they just couldn’t find their rhythm. By the end of the of the first quarter the Sparks had a 8 point lead over the Shock … 18-10.
In addition to the Sparks superb defense which littoral gave the Shock a clinic on ball movement and handling. The Sparks stayed looking for solid openings and insisting on not rushing shots. Keeping them in the lead throughout the game. And to be honest the Shock didn’t help their cause with their lack of offensive rebounding.
By The time the game got into the 2nd quarter the Shock were absolutely frazzled. The Shock’s head coach Fred Williams earned himself a technical foul which looked to be born out of sheer frustration. Towards the end of the 2nd quarter Temeka Johnson got hit with a flagrant foul on Riquna Williams.
With the score at the end of the 3rd 64-43 Sparks Amanda Zahui B. still had some warrior spirit still burning in her. And Nneka Ogwumike sought to help her with that problem by giving the basketball goddes two And1’s. Needless to say by the 4th quarter the Shock’s pilot light was officially out.
The Sparks attribute this win to operating as one unit. This game gives the Sparks their 4th straight win coming out of the All Star break. Can they maintain this momentum when they meet up with the Lynx on Sunday? We’ll just have to tune in.
