Los Angeles, CA – From the gate, Kristi Toliver put the “Show” in Showtime to drop 22 points and led the LA Sparks to their season high victory in Los Angeles over the Indiana Fever, 98-63.
Toliver was in the zone from start to finish.
“I feel free. It felt good to have the ball go in the basket. It’s fun when you can trust your instincts,” said Toliver.
The Fever couldn’t catch a rhythm due to the pesky hands from the Sparks’ pressure defense.
Every Sparks scored at least 5 points, and collectively forced 18 turnovers and 9 steals, to show a complete team effort on both ends of the court.
Multiple Sparks were driving the gaps and scoring at will.
The middle was as open as the parting of the Red Sea.
LA’s biggest lead ballooned to 38 at the tail end of the fourth quarter, 98-60.
The Sparks showed no mercy, and Indiana failed to show any desire to fight back.
Indiana was held to their lowest shooting percentage of the game with 25.6% from the field, and 11.1% from 3-point range at the half.
Sparks had their best shooting game of the season to go 56.1% from the field, and 50% from 3-point range.
“The biggest positive is that everybody was locked in differently. I hope that mentality can carry over. That was good to see,” said coach Derek Fisher.
This was the first home game that the Sparks played in front of fans this season, and they did not disappoint in their overwhelming effort.
“No excuses. We are rising to the challenge. Everybody stepped up their game. I’m proud of everybody and the group effort. It feels good to come back home and have fans to play for,” said Toliver.
There were only 8 players in rotation due to injuries for LA.
Both of the Ogwumike Sisters were ruled out with knee injuries.
Nneka is projected to miss 4-6 weeks with a left knee sprain.
Chiney is considered week to week with right knee soreness.
This weekend, the Sparks go for their third straight win against the Chicago Sky this Saturday, June 5 at 12:00 p.m.
