Sparks Let The Mercury Rise

Nneka Ogwumike rising high for the jump shot. Photo by Jevone Moore
Nneka Ogwumike rising high for the jump shot. Photo by Jevone Moore

Los Angeles, Ca – The Los Angeles Sparks let the Phoenix Mercury steal a 94-91 victory at home. Even with all five Sparks starters scoring in double figures it wasn’t enough. Today’s game went into overtime after being  tied 85 at end of regulation. In the extra period the Mercury Leilani Mitchell hit game wining 3 pointer with 3.9 seconds on the clock.

This Spark team has began to gel and knowing their sets on both side of the ball to play a complete game. The Sparks held a four point lead at half with theirlast game hero Kristi Toliver hitting her first two 3 pointers finishing with 16 points, and 8 assist. The team captain Nneka Ogwumike played a solid game being a force in the paint and active on both sides of court with 26 points and 19 rebounds. Erin Phillips was called on to be more of a scorer in the flow of the game, adding 20 points, and 5 assist.

Nneka Oqwumike getting after loose ball. Photo by Jevone Moore
Nneka Oqwumike getting after loose ball. Photo by Jevone Moore

Phoenix kept within striking distance all game only allowing the Sparks to have a max 6 point lead. The lead changed 18 times during the course of the game. The big three for Phoenix were DeWanna Bonner 22 points, Candice Dupree 21, and Brittney Griner 19 points. There were plenty of high lights but one stands out for a WNBA game which was in first quarter a big Dunk by Griner.

Phoenix Brittney Griner on turn around jumper. Photo by Jevone Moore
Phoenix Brittney Griner on turn around jumper. Photo by Jevone Moore

Both teams kept the intensity all game finishing 47% shooting for Sparks while Phoenix was little more efficient at 51% from field and 57% behind the arc. They both are still playing without their teams All Stars so far this season Candace Parker & Diana Taurasi. If these teams continue to play this well we might see this match up in first round of the playoffs at the end of the season.

Next up for the LA Sparks will travel to play San Antonio Stars on Wednesday July 8th at 5pm PST.

For more game photos click here Sparks vs Mercury