WNBA 2017: Sparks outplay Mystics, 95-62

Aug. 16, 2017, Capital One Arena, Washington, D.C. – “Outplayed…”

“Outrun…”

“Outhustled…”

“Outmaneuvered…”

Candace Parker led all Sparks scorers with 21 points. (photo by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine)

Sun Tzu has said that “Speed is the essence of war.”  This game was a perfect example of the result of superior speed and maneuvering by the Los Angeles Sparks.  Of their 95 points scored, 52 were made in the paint – and 44 of these the result of layups.  They were so successful at this that 13 layups were made in the first half alone. On the other hand, the Washington Mystics had just 22 points in the paint and 16 points from layups.

Los Angeles’ 30-point advantage in the paint essentially determined the outcome of the game.  To be sure, the outcome might have been less one-sided if the Mystics were not “outmanned.”  Their two leading scorers, Elena Delle Donne and Tayler Hill, did not dress for the game.

A quick glance of the Final Box Scorer’s report give one a glance of the total dominance by the Sparks:

• 16 more field goals
• 10 more rebounds
• 7 more assists
• 5 more steals
• 7 less turnovers
• 2 more blocked shots

Forward Emma Meesseman was the high scorer with 20 points and guard Shatori Walker-Kimbrough with 16 for the Mystics (16-11).

For the Sparks (20-8), Candace Parker had 21 points, and Odyssey Sims and Nneka Ogwumike recorded 18 each.

Before the start of the game, players stood with locked arms during a moment of silence for those killed and injured in Charlottesville, Va.

Photos: Los Angeles Sparks 95, Washington Mystics 62
all photos by Kwai Chan / Meniscus Magazine