WNBA Los Angeles Sparks

Leslie, Parker Lead Sparks Into Home Opener Friday Night

Published on June 6, 2008 under Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Los Angeles Sparks News Release


LOS ANGELES - Following a season-opening 4-1 trip, the Los Angeles Sparks play their home opener Friday, June 6 at 7:30 p.m. at STAPLES Center against the defending WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury. The Sparks defeated the Mercury, 99-94, May 17 at Phoenix in the season opener, as rookie sensation Candace Parker posted a record 34 points and added 12 rebounds.

Opening night activities will include Parker receiving a Rookie of the Month for May trophy from WNBA President Donna Orender, as well as Lisa Leslie and Parker being presented with their U.S. Olympic team jerseys.

In addition to wins at Phoenix, Atlanta and Washington, the Sparks capped the season-opening trip with an overtime win Tuesday night at Chicago, a homecoming for Parker who grew up in suburban Naperville, Ill. The only blemish was a double overtime loss at Indiana

Playing in front of capacity crowds, Parker made a strong early statement for rookie of the year honors by leading the Sparks on the opening trip with an average of 17.8 points, 10.6 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game. Three-time WNBA MVP Leslie complemented Parker with an average of 17.0 points, 9.6 rebounds and 4.0 blocked shots. Veteran DeLisha Milton-Jones added 14.4 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

Coach Michael Cooper, who guided the Sparks to back-to-back WNBA championships in 2001-02, also has received solid contributions from a strong supporting cast that includes Marie-Ferdinand Harris, Sidney Spencer, Raffaella Masciadri and Shannon Bobbitt, as well as others on a very deep bench.

After the opening five-game trip, the Sparks play 11 of their next 13 games at STAPLES Center. With WNBA players involved in the Olympics, the league has not scheduled any games from July 28-Aug. 27. Instead, the WNBA season will be extended by three weeks. WNBA teams and players will remain active in their communities while on hiatus from regular-season action. Sparks players not competing in the Olympics will participate in a variety of community-based events and activities.

The second half of the Sparks' season will tip-off on Aug. 28 as they play host to the Sacramento Monarchs at STAPLES Center at 7:30 p.m. The regular-season schedule concludes Sept. 14 with the playoffs scheduled to begin on Sept. 18.

For Sparks' ticket information, call 1-877-44-SPARKS. Tickets also are available by calling 1-877-WNBA-TIX or by visiting either Ticketmaster.com or wnba.com/tickets.

About the Los Angeles Sparks

The Los Angeles Sparks are entering their 12th season in the Women's National Basketball Association. The Sparks are one of the eight original teams in the WNBA. In December 2006, the Sparks were purchased by Gemini Basketball, LLC and they are one of seven WNBA teams owned and operated independent of NBA teams. For the first time in franchise history, the Sparks won the top pick for the 2008 WNBA Draft and selected college basketball player of the year Candace Parker of two-time NCAA champion Tennessee. The Sparks were led to back-to-back WNBA Championships in 2001 & 2002 by head coach Michael Cooper. The team's roster of star athletes is led by three-time league MVP Lisa Leslie and includes 2005 WNBA Rookie of the Year Temeka Johnson, stand-out 2007 rookie Sidney Spencer and Parker. The Sparks play their home games at STAPLES Center in the heart of downtown Los Angeles. For Sparks' ticket information, call 1-877-44-SPARKS.

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Women's National Basketball Association Stories from June 6, 2008


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