Sparks need balance with Parker's return

July 6, 10:13 PMWomen's Sports ExaminerZalika Green

Previous Next

1 comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the Women's Sports Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

The Phoenix Mercury upended the Sparks in Los Angeles 104-89 on Sunday night. Candace Parker returned to the floor for the first time this season. Parker played 20 minutes, went 2-5 from the field, and finished the game with 6 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists. Parker, who is still looking to get her feet under her, has to find her role on this Sparks squad. How long it will take is another question. The Los Angeles Sparks are filled with veterans this season such as Tina Thompson, who had to step into the lead role with Lisa Leslie on the bench with an injury, along with DeLisha Milton-Jones and point guard Betty Lennox. Lennox was acquired after being waived by the Atlanta Dream and isn’t the least bit gun shy. It may be harder for Parker to get into a rhythm. The Sparks are loading with shooters and this may affect the number of touches Parker gets inside. It may take some time to adjust, but the Sparks found a way to share the ball last season and will find its rhythm and turn its 3-6 season around. Los Angeles will be playing at New York on Thursday at 7:30 pm.