Sparks Defeats Tulsa 95-79 At Home

Story by L.T.Willis

The Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Tulsa Shock
95-79 at the Staple Center. Photo by Eric Wade/
T.G.Sports

The Sparks improved their record to (9-3) against Tulsa (1-10) with a 95-79 victory with Candace Parker leading the way with 33 points and 8 rebounds. Tulsa on May 29 at the Staple Center saw Kristi Toliver hit a jumper as time ran out to beat them 66-65. Toilver who had her worst night still learning the point guard position who is naturally a shooting guard committed 14 turnovers which is a WNBA record. Toliver put that game behind her as she had only 3 turnovers for the whole game.

Tulsa's #25 Glory Johnson and Sparks' #20 Kristi Toliver
battle for a loose ball. Photo by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Candace Parker came out with energy as it seem she could do what ever she wanted too do against Tulsa. Nneka Ogwumike who had 12 points for the game which i consider a off night for her was still showing why she is the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year Award as she continues to improve. The Sparks defense has been a another big factor with great team defense have forced teams to really turn the ball over this season.

Sparks' #30 Nneka Ogumike and # 3 Candace Parker applying
defensive pressure on Tulsa's # 2 Temeka Johnson. Photo
by Eric Wade/T.G.Sports.

Tulsa's Glory Johnson and Courtney Paris were trying their best to keep them in the game , but the Sparks just came out with too much effort and energy and at the half trailed the Sparks 49-39. As hard as Tulsa fought too get back into the game they couldn't get no closer than 9 or 10 points and at the end of the third quarter they trailed the Sparks 67-57.Tulsa's Glory Johnson scored 19 points, Courtney Paris 11 points 8 rebounds, Temeka Johnson 11 points, Ivory Latta and Riquna Williams  both with 10 points wasn't enough as the Sparks defeated Tulsa 95-79.

Sparks' #25 Marissa Coleman pushing the ball up
court on a fast break. Photo by Eric Wade/
T.G.Sports.

Candace Parker finish the night with 33 points, Kristi Toliver 22 points 6 assist, DeLisha Milton Jones 15 points, Nneka Ogumike 12 points 6 rebounds were high for the Sparks. Kristi Toliver made much better decision with the ball and with only 3 turnovers for night were key for the Sparks victory along with Candace Parker outstanding game. The Sparks coaching staff will still have to figure out how they can get more production out of their bench with the all the injuries they have already, and  need to have more of a physical presence in the paint. All photos are by Eric Wade/ T.G. Sports and EW Gems Images.