That 32-0 Gets Put to the Test Right Away
How long did league officials deliberate before approving a matchup of the Sparks and the New York Liberty in the WNBA season opener today?
Thirty seconds at most.
And that was before Spark Coach Michael Cooper brazenly declared his team is striving to go through the 32-game regular season undefeated.
New York has never feared the Sparks. Last year, the Liberty ran Los Angeles out of Madison Square Garden, beating the Sparks by 13 in a physical game that resulted in L.A.’s largest losing margin of the regular season. Cooper admits to a grudging respect for New York, which lost to Charlotte in the playoffs last season.
“They’re a veteran team, so it’s going to be an interesting matchup,” Cooper said.
Sort of the way Lennox Lewis and Mike Tyson are an “interesting” matchup.
“We know it’s going to be a tough, physical game,” Cooper continued. “But I think we’re as ready as we can be right now.”
In addition to getting their rings for winning the 2001 WNBA title, the Sparks will get a quick reading on their chance to repeat. The Liberty has appeared in three league finals--losing every time to Houston--and is a perennial contender. They have perhaps the East’s best center, Tari Phillips, and a three-guard tandem enhanced by the acquisition of Korie Hlede from Utah in exchange for New York’s first-round pick in the 2002 draft.
Hlede gives New York Coach Richie Adubato another veteran to spell starters Teresa Weatherspoon, Vickie Johnson and Crystal Robinson.
The Sparks will play without one regular today. Latasha Byears will receive her championship ring but will not be in uniform. She must serve a one-game suspension imposed by the league after pleading no contest this spring to a reckless driving charge in Sacramento.
*SPARKS TODAY
Site--Staples Center
Radio--KPLS (830).
Records (2001)--Sparks 28-4, Liberty 21-11.
Record vs. Liberty (2001)--0-1.
Update--Those attending today’s game should get there early. The arena doors will open at 10:30 a.m., and new security measures at Staples Center require all bags to be searched. Staples officials advise spectators not to bring bags larger than a small briefcase. No cans, bottles, banners, signs, video cameras or cameras with interchangeable lenses will be allowed inside. Small, fixed lens cameras are acceptable. The championship ring ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11:30 a.m. Last year in New York, the Liberty handed the Sparks their worst loss of the season, 82-69.
Tickets--(877) 962-2849.