Los Angeles Sparks (1-0) vs Chicago Sky (1-0)
When: Tuesday, July 28th at 9pm.
Where: IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida
TV: SPECSN / Radio: N/A
Notes:
Los Angeles-
Forward Nneka Ogwumike set a new franchise record for most shots without a miss in a single game, shooting 8-8 from the field to finish with 21 points and 7 rebounds in a dominant win over the Mercury.
Chicago -
Kahleah Copper posted 18 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists while forward Gabby Williams, added 14 points (6-8 FG) and 7 rebounds in a win over the Aces.
Injury/Opt Out:
Los Angeles: N/A
Chicago: Diamond Deshields (Probable/ Knee), Sydney Colson ( Doubtful/ Health)
Los Angeles -
99.0 - points per game
76.0- points against
55.9 - Field goal %
Chicago -
88.0 - points per game
86.0 - points against
45.9 - field goal %
Keep an eye on:
Sparks Depth: is a problem for the WNBA. LA is deep and versatile. It's no longer just about dealing with Nneka Ogwumike, Candace Parker and Chelsea Gray, now it's about dealing 7-8 players capable of scoring in double figures every night. This depth is what overwhelmed the Mercury in LA's season opening blow out win. Yes, Ogwumike did what she does (21 points (8-8 FG), 7 rebounds) , Gray had an excellent game (13 points, 7 assists, 2 steals) and Parker reminded everyone why she's a for sure first ballot hall of famer (13 points (6-10 FG), 7 rebounds), however, the production from Seimone Augustus, Brittney Sykes and rookie Te'a Cooper is what raised eyebrows. The reserve trio combined for 34 points on 13 of 18 shooting in the Sparks win over the Mercury. Augustus, another future first ballot hall of famer that reminded the world that she is such, shot 6-6 from the field.
Chicago squeezed out a win over the Aces Saturday, yet, their defense was subpar, allowing 46 percent shooting from the field and being out-rebounded 33-42. Chicago has to bring it defensively or risk getting the same exact result the Mercury experienced over the weekend.
Chicago's All Star Back-court: simply must shoot the ball better. Diamond Deshields is hobbled by a knee injury, which limited her to 15 minutes of game action. However, point guard Courtney Vandersloot and sniper Allie Quigley were uncharacteristically cold from the field. They combined to shoot 7-21 from the field. Quigley showed her mental toughness by knocking down the go-ahead three pointer with 14.7 seconds left, ultimately securing a win for the Sky. Vandersloot (44%FG/ 34% 3FG/ 83% FT) and Quigley (45% FG/ 39% 3FG/ 86% FT) are one of the most efficient back-courts in WNBA history, it would be unwise to not expect a bounce back game against the Sparks.
