The short-handed Sparks to take on Mercury in 2 games
The Sparks (4-5) and the Phoenix Mercury (5-6) find themselves in similar situations before they face each other twice this week in Los Angeles.
Both teams have had star players go out with injuries. The Sparks are without Nneka Ogwumike (left knee sprain) and the Mercury are missing Diana Taurasi (broken sternum). Both teams fell short of a comeback in their last outings, extending losing streaks. Most of all, both look to get right in the next couple games against a Western Conference rival.
The Mercury lost 85-83 to the New York Liberty Sunday while the Sparks overcame a 14-point deficit against the Minnesota Lynx, only to fall 80-64 on Saturday.
“We show the signs that we need to show to be able to win games like this. It’s just finding more ways to sustain it.” Sparks’ coach Derek Fisher said after Saturdays’ loss to Minnesota. “When you get shorter and shorter on bodies as the game goes on, it makes it a little more challenging.”
The Sparks will be one body shorter after the WNBA’s decision to suspend guard Te’a Cooper onegame for leaving the sideline during an altercation between the two teams.
Cooper recorded a career-high 17 points in Minnesota. The second-year guard serves as an offensive instigator and the Sparks will miss her scoring presence and on-ball defensive energy against Phoenix.
Skylar Diggins-Smith leads Phoenix in scoring (19.4) and Cooper may have gotten the defensive assignment on the four-time AllStar.
“We’re gonna need somebody, multiple sombodies, to replace the activity she provides,” Fisher said.
Erica Wheeler, who left the loss to the Lynx with a head injury, did not enter concussion protocol, Fisher said. She is expected to suit up Wednesday night.
Sparks’ forward Chiney Ogwumike hasn’t played since May 28 with an ankle
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injury and Fisher described her as “day-to-day.” He said she looked better undergoing physical therapy, but indicated that they don’t want to rush her back.
The Sparks’ frontcourt of Amanda Zahui B. and Nia Coffey will try to contain Brittney Griner, one of the WNBA’s best centers.
“Even if you did have practice players or a guy that was just as tall as Griner, you still can’t do what she can do,” Fisher said.
Phoenix, despite losing six of its last eight games, remains a force in the paint. Phoenix shoots the highest percentage of points in the key and makes the secondmost (36.2) led by Griner. The six-time All-Star leads the WNBA in paint points (12.2) and blocks (2.4) and is second in rebounding (10.3); her teammate Brianna Turner ranks third in blocks (2.1).
Comparatively, the Sparks allow the thirdleast paint points, just under 30 per game. Los Angeles dropped another spot to fourth in the league defensively after the loss Saturday.
The Sparks hope to get the energy from fans as they open a four-game homestand and play seven of their next eight games in Los Angeles.
As California ‘fully reopened’ Tuesday June 15, few changes are planned in already limited-capacity seating at Los Angeles Convention center.
“It may not change dramatically for us in the immediate,” Fisher said. “We appreciate and need every single body in there that is going to come out and cheer for a team, and push our ladies over the top, so we’re excited about things continuing to progress in that direction.”
Sparks’ veteran Kristi Toliver said the atmosphere is great with fans in the building, but she and the team are looking for more.
“We’re not satisfied,” she said. “But we’re extremely motivated and excited for what can be.”