Texas Is Not Good To Another Los Angeles Team

Story by L.T.Willis



Sparks'#3 Candace Parker turns the corner on San Antonio's #00 Ruth Riley.
Photo by D.Clarke Evans/NBAE via Getty Images.



Texas wasn't good to for the Lakers in the playoffs and now the Los Angeles Sparks have been snake bitten in San Antonio Texas. Losing to the Silver Stars 90-80 in overtime and the way they lost was a hard pill to swallow. Candace Parker still continues putting up all star numbers finish the game with 25 points and 3 rebs  and DeLisha Milton-Jones who finish with 15 points and 6 rebs. I really felt the Sparks were figuring out on defense how not to give up big leads in games, then give up a 12 point lead during the game. The Sparks' defense couldn't figure out how to stop the Silver Stars' guard Jia Perkins who ripped them for 31 points and 8 rebs. Another thorn in the Sparks' defense was also Becky Hammon who finish with 22points, 9 asst and 3 rebs tied the game with 33.4 seconds left  in the fourth quarter to send the game into overtime.



Photo by  D.Clarke Evans/NBAE via Getty Images.



You have to credit the Silver Stars' defense that cause the Sparks to have 17 turnovers and with 1:46 left in regulations held them scoreless to force overtime. What really made things even worst the Sparks' offense could only score 2 points in over time while giving up 12 points in the extra period. The defensive  lapse and lack of intensity is all mental . I have notice so far this season when Natasha Lacy is in the game at point guard the Sparks' defensive and out put goes up to another level because of her speed and ability to attack the rim and push the ball up court, as well as a defender who can guard the younger and quicker guards in  the league. When shes on the floor with Candace Parker, Kristi Toliver, Ebony Hoffman, Tina Thompson and Jantel Lavender they are more aggressive on offense. Coach Gillom and her coaching staff must figure to get Jantel Lavender more time on the floor with her ability to run up and down the court she puts a lot off pressure on the other teams centers to keep up with her. Both Natasha Lacy and Jantel Lavender have been productive when giving playing time and the stats don't lie. Today the Sparks play the New York Liberty in a Sunday game at 1pm and i hope they brought their mental game with them.