Los Angeles, Ca-The Los Angeles Sparks (0-2) drop a tough one at home to the Seattle Storm (2-0) 60-54. The Sparks controlled the pace of the game for more than 30 minutes before giving up first lead of the game in 4th quarter with 4:14 left on the clock and now down 53-50. Seattle’s Abby Bishop hit the open three point and her teammates never looked back.
Sparks Jantel Lavender started off game strong with first four points of game to put team with 4-0 lead. Lavender played big minutes and finishing with team high 12 points, but was not featured in second half enough to punish in the paint. Their backcourt played solid with 10 points each Alana Beard & Erin Phillips.
The Sparks could of used the defensive prow less and scoring power of Nneka Ogwumike out sprained ankle. Storm forward Abby Bishop lead her team with 18 points (four 3 pointers) & 3 rebounds. Forward Alysha Clark was in paint all night on defense end with 8 rebounds and being yin & yang of Bishop.
Storm’s bench was strong in second half with Jewell Loyd with 10 points and some hard drives to the basket. Loyd a rookie out of Norte Dame will be soon move into the starting lineup for Seattle if her game continues. Head Coach Jenny Boucek of the Storm was able to beat her mentor Agler to spread her wings as the new boss.
Head Coach of the Sparks Brian Agler will be making adjustment to cover the pick in roll and have defense crash down in the lane more that hurt in second half. In first half the Sparks held the Storm to 30% shooting from field compared to strong 50% of the Sparks. The Storm raised their shooting percentage from field to 38.9% while the Sparks fell to 38.6% for the game.
Fans have no reason to panic off the slow start to season because they will only get more exercise and better with these tough games. The reserves first off the bench guard Temeka Johnson brought veteran leadership & instinct scoring at times. Playing a bigger role as well Farhiya Abdi with timely 7 points.
The LA Sparks will host Minnesota Lynx and Maya Moore this Tuesday June 16th 7:30pm at Staples Center.
More game photos on Full Image 360 please click link http://www.fullimage360.com/la-sparks-vs-seattle-storm/
