|
The Los Angeles Sparks are a Women's National Basketball Association team that was formed in 1997, being one of the teams that participated in the league's inaugural game. They play at the Staples Center.
Uniform
Golden with purple lines on the side at home, with the name Sparks written across in purple. Green with purple lines on the side on the road, with the name Sparks in purple.
Playoff History
Playoff Appearances: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Conference Championships: 2001, 2002, 2003
WNBA Championships: 2001, 2002
History
The Sparks lost to the New York Liberty in the WNBA's inaugural game. Sparks player Penny Toler scored the league's first two points with a lay-up in that game. The Sparks had what many considered to be a disappointing season in 1997, but they roared back in 1998, earning a playoff berth with the help of Lisa Leslie. In 1999 and 2000, they also made the playoffs, but their hopes ended in frustration those years, particularly when they got eliminated by the Houston Comets.
In 2001, former Los Angeles Lakers player Michael Cooper coached the Sparks to their first championship, after the Sparks were able to finally eliminate the Comets in the playoffs, and beat the Charlotte Sting for the championship. In 2002, Leslie became the first woman to dunk in the league, and the Sparks returned to the WNBA Finals, beating the New York Liberty to become back to back champions. They returned to the finals in 2003, but lost to the Detroit Shock in three games.
The 2004 season marked a season of transition for the Sparks. They signed two standout players, Tamika Whitmore and Teresa Weatherspoon, who had played for their rival team the New York Liberty. In addition, their coach Michael Cooper left midseason seeking a coaching job in the NBA. While they finished the season with one of the best records in the league, they would eventually fall short in the playoffs.
Retired Numbers
Hall of Famers
Current Stars
Coaches and others
Head Coaches:
- Linda Sharp (1997)
- Julie Rosseau (1997-1998)
- Orlando Wooldrige (1998-1999)
- Michael Cooper (1999-2004)
External links
|
