CHICAGO, IL – The Los Angeles Sparks started the season off with a big win against the reigning champion Chicago Sky. Former Sparks legend Candace Parker played well but it was her former squad claiming a hard-fought 98-91 overtime victory over the Sky.
Even with the win, there are still chemistry factors that need to be addressed as the Sparks move through the season. The team has several new pieces including superstar center Liz Cambage.
Head coach/GM Derek Fisher says that Cambage could stand to improve in the areas of “valuing the basketball and not turning it over.” Fisher also attributes some of the early struggles to playing with new teammates and learning where to pass the ball in specific situations.
Although the win is important, Fisher says the hope is being out on the road early will accelerate the process of the team moving as a collective.
“If we’re able to get a win, and fight through all the things that you have to win on the road, that it could help to bring us closer earlier,” Fisher said.
Nneka Ogwumike echoed those sentiments saying, “We have an energy that we want to just continue to bring every night.”
Ogwumike believes in building that cohesiveness and connection as well as learning on the fly.
Los Angeles native Jordin Canada stepped up in a big way for her regular-season debut with the Sparks scoring a team-high 21 points. She also came up clutch for L.A., drawing a foul on a three-point attempt with 1.5 seconds left in regulation and sinking all three free throws.
The Sparks are back on the road heading into Indiana to face the Fever on Sunday at 12:00 PST/3 PM EST.
