On a late Thursday night game, the Los Angeles Sparks took on the Connecticut Sun as they meet up for the first time this season. This matchup was a hard-fought game, as the Sparks take their second win of the season over the Connecticut Sun, who fall to 0-3 for the first time since 2017. Let’s take a breakdown of how the teams did throughout this game.
Los Angeles Sparks Bounce Back Strong
The Los Angeles Sparks found a way to bounce back from a blowout loss vs. Chicago to a five-point victory. They also saw some bench production from the rookie Te’ a Cooper and veteran Seimone Augustus. Chelsea Gray, aka ‘Point Gawd,’ led the Sparks with 15 points and 6 assists. Nneka Ogwumike, who was in foul trouble with four personals, scored 14 points and 5 rebounds. Seimone Augustus, who came off the bench, stepped up strong with 13 points scored within 20 minutes.
Candace Parker had a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Her defense is stellar with two steals and three blocks. Te’ a Cooper, who sealed the Sparks’ win with a layup, showed up with 8 points and 2 assists (4-9 FGM-A). Also, she seems to be an excellent fit for the Sparks, as a backup point guard, after losing Kristi Toliver, who decided to sit out this season.
Best buckets and dimes from @cgray209 in the @LASparks win! #WatchMeWork pic.twitter.com/xORC0Hahyl
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 31, 2020
Sparks head coach Derek Fisher seems to be impressed with the development of the rookie Te’ a Cooper on the defense side. He also stated that “Seimone Augustus had brought a level of character to the LA Sparks.” Chelsea Gray also gave praise to Augustus for “lifting the team throughout this game.” Seimone Augustus, who spent her first 14 years of the WNBA in Minnesota, seems to be an excellent fit for this Sparks team in contention for a championship. She also appears to be happy in Los Angeles as she “brings the veteran leadership to the side.”
Candace Parker said Seimone Augustus’ motivation has helped her personally and Augustus’ leadership has helped the LA Sparks as team. @Winsidr
— John W. Davis (@johnwdavis) July 31, 2020
Bonner Has Found Her Rhythm, But The Sun Need More From Everyone
3⃣4⃣ PTS for DB! #WatchMeWork pic.twitter.com/OrI9p0nA8D
— WNBA (@WNBA) July 31, 2020
The Connecticut Sun has seen DeWanna Bonner go off on Thursday night, collecting a double-double with 34 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists. She also scored 82 points through the first three games with the Sun, ranking in fourth all-time. Jasmine Thomas tallied 11 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists. Alyssa Thomas almost had a triple-double with 10 points, 18 rebounds, most since 2018, and 8 assists.
The Sun still needed more production from the bench as they lost the game. They also missed nine free throws (19-28 FTM-A) and only made five three-pointers (5-15 3 PM-A). DeWanna Bonner, who was acquired by Connecticut this off-season after spending her first 10 years in Phoenix, has a message to the fans:
“The wins will come. This year, next year, whenever. I promise you that. Connecticut, stay with us. Just watch. Just sit back and watch. We’re alright.”
-Sun Forward DeWanna Bonner
Tune into today’s games on league pass, starting with the Dream vs. Liberty on NBA TV/League Pass at 4 pm PCT/ 7 pm EST. Along with a doubleheader on CBS Sports Network: Indiana vs. Dallas and Phoenix vs. Las Vegas. If you guys want more content of the bubble season, follow @wnba_wubble on Instagram. Earlier this week, WNBA games have been expanded by 13 on nationally televised games this season. Keep cheering out loud for your favorite WNBA teams, and watch more games!
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