Long Beach, Ca- On a night filled with extra excitement the Los Angeles Sparks defeat the Chicago Sky 95-75 at the Long Beach Pyramid.
This semifinals best of five match up is now just 1-0 in favor of the Sparks. Before tonight’s game Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike was awarded the WNBA Player of The Year Trophy at a press conference. Then to add more positive energy teammate Jantel Lavender was awarded 6th Player of the year.
The Sparks protected their home court even being away from Staples Center their normal home arena.
The first quarter of play was just little bit off for the Sparks only holding two point lead. Something clicked in the second quarter when the they shot 70 percent from the field and broke this game open.
Having two MVP caliber players on the same team always helps in winning games. Candace Parker who scored 30 points, 9 rebounds and Ogwumike dropped 27 points, 10 rebounds to lead the Sparks in scoring. That type fire power is great to have, Parker said “We have great chemistry with our high low game.”
League 6th player of the year Lavender showed up all night hitting her first basket a three-pointer right on cue. During the fourth quarter she led her team with six points, on the road to the victory.
From the bench Chicago had reserve guard Jamierra Faulkner lead her team with 13 points. The Sky had some bright spots throughout the game but just not enough defense and scoring power to pull off an upset.
In the post game press conference Chicago coach Pokey Chatman gave credit to the Sparks for a great game but let us know she reminded her team it’s just one game.
Both teams will practice tomorrow and get ready for game two at Staples Center on Friday, September 30 at 7pm before going to windy city for game three.
