Sparks fall to Lynx in a grind

Ogwumike battles in the paint. (Photo by Full Image 360)

Los Angeles, CA- With :33 seconds on the clock the Los Angeles Sparks down 74-72 to the Minnesota Lynx. The Sparks went down low to Nneka Ogwumike who lost the handle that resulted in a steal and eventually a 77-72 defeat at home.

Ogwumike didn’t play well tonight with the physical play by the front court of the Lynx who held her to 8 points 5 rebounds and 7 assists.

Canada looks to drive. (Photo by Full Image 360)

Jordin Canada led the Sparks with a team high 22 points and 5 assist but her single effort and energy wasn’t enough.  

“A grinding game, we put ourselves in position to win,” said Sparks coach Miller, “I didn’t love the amount of three pointers we shot tonight.

After three quarter of play the Lynx shot a three pointer for 58-57 lead going 4th and started off hot. This made Sparks coach Miller call an early time out trailing 63-57 with 8:35 left in the game.

Mitchell ran the offense for the Lynx. (Photo by Full Image 360)

The Lynx offense was led by Napheesa Collier with 25 points in 38 minutes of play. Kayla McBride dropped 16 points from the front court.

The Lynx record of 2-7 is little deceiving because night in night out they took first quarter lead 18-16, making the Sparks grind out tough quarter to start. The Sparks did manage to hold 19-18 lead going into the second quarter.

Defense for both teams kept this game exciting early with most of half being a game of will.

The Sparks point guard Canada (21) took matters in her own hands with effort. She jumped from the floor to tip back a ball to Ogwumike that passed to Hamby for a basket that caused the Lynx to call a timeout with 3:52 left before half and 35-28 lead.

Samuelson shots a three. (Photo by Full Image 360)

Now the team’s energy jumped with back-to-back three-point baskets by Samuelson (44) & Hamby (5) along with 38-31 score.  But for 40 minutes the Lynx just out performed the Sparks.

“Tonight, Minnesota was better under the bright lights then us tonight.” Said Miller.

The Sparks will host the #2 Connecticut Suns on Father’s Day June 18th at 4:30pm. The Lynx will travel to Vegas to take on the defending champion Aces on Sunday at 6pm.