Sparks Make Meaningless Game Count
Spark Coach Michael Cooper was finishing some pregame remarks with reporters when he declared without a trace of irony or hilarity in his voice that “this is a must-win for us tonight.”
Why? The result of the Spark-Houston Comet game would have no impact on the standings or playoff positioning. It wouldn’t have been surprising if both Houston and the Sparks had given the starters cameo appearances Monday night.
“Neither team has won on their own home court this year,” Cooper said. “That’s something we need to establish.”
It’s hard to say just how much was established by the Sparks’ 67-64 victory over the Comets before 10,118 at Staples Center, other than that it was the first time one team had beaten the other on its home court in the regular season since 2001.
No matter, the 24-10 Sparks -- who open the playoffs Thursday in Minnesota -- head into the postseason on a five-game winning streak. It’s their longest such streak since opening the season 9-0.
“We’re definitely feeling confident now,” said center Lisa Leslie, who had a quiet eight points but a loud 14 rebounds -- double the total of any Comet player. “Confidence is very important because this is the same team that was losing games. It feels better to have that confidence.”
The confidence is spread through the rest of the Sparks, who didn’t depend on Leslie to help them overcome a Comet squad that led, 30-28, at halftime, and increased the lead to 42-32 early in second half. Tamecka Dixon and Mwadi Mabika led the charge with 19 points each. And both figured in the key stretch that won the game.
The Sparks were trailing, 59-57, with 2:12 remaining when Dixon drove to the basket and was fouled by Houston center Tiffany Johnson. The officials ruled the foul as flagrant, meaning the Sparks got the ball back after Dixon made two free throws.
On the ensuing possession, Mabika drifted out to the three-point line, got a pass from Dixon and calmly made a three-pointer to put the Sparks ahead for good.
“You never want to go into the playoffs on a low note,” Dixon said. “We’re playing pretty good basketball right now, and to string some wins going into the playoffs is good for us.”
Tina Thompson had 19 points for Houston (20-14), which enters a playoff series with Sacramento having lost five of six.
The Comets won the first four WNBA championships, but have not advanced past the first round the last two seasons.
“We can’t be too concerned,” Houston guard Ukari Figgs said of the recent slide. “The regular season is behind us now. We play Friday. We’ve got to be ready.”
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(BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX)
WNBA Playoffs
SPARKS VS. MINNESOTA
FIRST ROUND
* Game 1: Thursday at Minnesota, 4:30 p.m., ESPN 2
* Game 2: Saturday at Sparks, 7, NBA-TV
* *Game 3: Monday at Sparks, 7, NBA-TV
*if necessary