Los Angeles, CA- After playing its first 3 games of the season on the road, the Los Angeles Sparks have now hosted 3 consecutive home games.
It was Pride Night at the Staples Center but it was the visiting Seattle Storm who played with a bit more pride tonight defeating the Sparks 88-63.
“We got our butts kicked,” said Sparks forward Candace Parker. “We give Seattle all the credit, the came out to play from the get go.”
The Sparks fall to 4-2 in the season and 2-1 at home.
It was a slow start offensively for the Sparks. Chelsea Gray was the lone offensive spark plug for the home team with 5 of the 9 points in the 1st quarter.
For the Storm, Breanna Stewart got off to a hot start. With 3:39 left in the 1st quarter Stewart made a 5-footer to give her 6 points in the quarter and extend the Storm lead 19-7.
Seattle was able to separate in the 1st quarter with the 3-point shot. Alysha Clark, Jewell Loyd and Natasha Howard each had 3-point buckets go in for the Storm. Seattle led by as many as 15 points in the 1st quarter.
Los Angeles was unable to recover from its double-digit deficit. Nneka Ogwumike showed signs of brining the Sparks back to life. Ogwumike was active on the boards and was able to finish on second chances or create opportunities for her teammates. She finished with 8 points at halftime with the Sparks down 42-33.
“It all stemmed from quick shots and turnovers,” said Alana Beard. “We had nine turnovers at halftime, we average 11 a game.”
The Storm and Stewart blew open the game in the 3rd quarter. Stewart had another early 4 points to begin the quarter and give Seattle a 52-37 lead.
Seattle’s ball movement was enough to keep the Sparks on their toes and give them open shots.
“They were moving the ball, they were moving their bodies. They collapsed our defense,” said Parker. “They play the way we try to and they were the better team tonight.”
The Sparks will end their 4 game home stand this Sunday. They host the Chicago Sky at 2p.m. PT.
