Ogwumike sisters combine for 39 points in win over Connecticut

May 31, 2019

Los Angeles, CA – The Los Angeles Sparks put the game out of reach with the help of the Ogwumike sisters. With 1:10 left in the game, Chiney Ogwumike converted a three-point play to give the Sparks a 72-67 lead.

Older sister, Nneka Ogwumike drained a three with 40 seconds left to send the crowd into a frenzy and extend the lead. The Sparks defeated Connecticut 77-70 in the home opener Friday night at Staples Center.

Sparks Nneka Ogwumike yells after making a basket to put game away during the Connecticut Sun vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on May 31, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

“It was fun,” Chiney Ogwumike said. “That’s the only way I can describe it. Going into the game, we just wanted to compete and be better. I think we did that.”

The younger Ogwumike went 1-for-10 in her debut in the loss to Las Vegas. She rebounded with with a game-high 20 points, shooting 7-of-11 against her former team. Nneka Ogwumike added 19 points and 15 rebounds.

Sparks Chiney Ogwumike fighting down low under the basket during the Connecticut Sun vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on May 31, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Los Angeles went on a 13-4 run to close out the second quarter and Nneka Ogwumike drilled a three with 0.7 seconds left to give the Sparks a 38-31 lead into halftime.

“It’s always great to win at home,” Nneka Ogwumike said. “I’m really proud of the improvement we made during the week.”

Sparks Chelsea Gray playing tight defense during the Connecticut Sun vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center in Los Angeles, Ca on May 31, 2019. (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Sparks head coach Derek Fisher got his first WNBA win. The former Laker was coach of the New York Knick from 2014-2016.

“As a team, they didn’t want to lose tonight,” Fisher said. “And hopefully our offensive continuity will continue to come along as we get used to playing with one another.”