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Sparks Tune Up Against Playoff Foe
Posted Monday, September 15, 2008
 Foreshadowing what she hopes her Sparks will do to the Seattle Storm in the coming playoffs, Lisa Leslie lends a hand in wiping the Staples Center floor. Photo by Donald Barnat |
LOS ANGELES - The LA Sparks, playing against their first round playoff opponent, the Seattle Storm, jumped out to a 30-11 lead by the end of the first quarter, pulled their starters, and then watched their bench steadily push the lead to 25.
The Sparks cruised to an eventual 65-48 win at the Staples Center in a game that saw both teams limiting the floor time of their best players in preparation for Friday night’s game one showdown of the WNBA’s Western Conference semi-finals.
Seattle Olympian point guard Sue Bird played all of three minutes after attempting and missing one three pointer. Former WNBA MVP Yolanda Griffith also played three minutes after missing her only shot attempt.
Two-time WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson was present on the Storm bench but isn’t expected to see action in early playoff rounds due to her recovery from ankle surgery.
Not present at the Staples center was Seattle’s two other Olympic gold medalists, three time WNBA MVP forward Sheryl Swoopes, who is recovering from a concussion, and forward Swin Cash, who is nursing a bad back.
With the exception of Jackson, the Sparks are likely to face the full complement of Seattle’s superstar roster on Friday night.
One star who did see significant minutes, 22 to be exact, was Sparks’ forward Delisha Milton, who led LA with 14 points on 6-8 shooting. Shyra Ely led Seattle with 16 points.
Sparks head coach Michael Cooper seemed pleased at his team’s performance.
“I thought this was a well played game by us obviously we did not see the right Seattle team, but once the game got going their coach was looking out for next week and so were we. The important thing is to play well going into the playoffs and that is what we did today.”
Milton concurred.
“I thought that we came out focused and with lots of intensity and that is what is going to take us far into the playoffs.”
Storm coach Brian Agler also looked ahead to the playoff match up with the rival Sparks.
“I expect the series to be very physical. Both teams take a lot of pride in their defense, so it will be very competitive.”
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