The Sparks' Bench Steps Up Big Against Seattle And New York

Story by L.T.Willis

                  
                                                 





Kristi Toliver Photo by Eric Wade
Gems Images.

  







 The Los Angeles Sparks are now 4-1 after their last two home game victories against The Seattle Storm 74-50 on Fathers' Day and last night against the New York Liberty 96-91 in a hard fought game. The main reason they have a 4-1 record is because of the strong bench play of Ebony Hoffman 12 points and 4 rebs, Kristi Toliver 11 points 5 rebs and Jantel Lavender 10 points 2 rebs. With Ebony and Jantel on the floor at the same time both of these players run up and down the court very well and have the ability to take players off the dribble with their size and quickness. Having both of them on the floor allows Tina Thompson, DeLisha Milton-Jones and Candace Parker more time to rest on the bench.



Ebony Hoffman Photo by Eric Wade
Gems Images.

                                                 

Jantel Lavender Photo by Eric Wade
Gems Images.



                                                                                    





The Sparks were celebrating being in the league for 15 season treated the fans to a heck of a basketball game by defeating the New York Liberty 96-91 at The Staple Center. Delisha Milton-Jones came to play as she rip the Liberty defense for 27 points and 6 rebs who was in a shooting zone. Candace Parker scored 21 points and had a big night on the board with 13 rebs, Tina Thompson 14 points and Kristi Toliver coming off the bench playing almost 30 minutes had 16 points and some big plays late in the fourth quarter. Another key player coming off the bench Jeena O'Hea scored 8 points but played great defense as she held in check Liberty's Leilani Mitchell who had 9 points for the game.




Rebeca Lobo and Lisa Leslie Photo by
Eric Wade Gems Images.



At the celebration two former superstars got together and shared some memories about their careers in the WNBA Lisa Leslie and Rebeca Lobo who both played for their original teams the Los Angeles Sparks and the New York Liberty. Both players pave a path on how to be great players in this league by leading by example with hard work and showing class in victory and in defeat. For more on both games see Nick Hamilton's Sports articles in this Friday paper on line at http://www.calcrusnews.com/ .