Los Angeles Sparks 93 vs. Phoenix Mercury 90 – WNBA Game Overtime Analysis
Tina Thompson is a six time All-Star and the back bone of the Los Angeles Sparks offensive lineup on any given night. However, on Friday night, the 14 year pro was kept under wraps for the major portion of the night by Phoenix Mercury.
But, as great players do, just when he team needed somebody to stand up and deliver the goods, Thompson took over. She first slipped in a layup with 25 second to go to send the game into overtime and then started with it with a running bank shot, to give Sparks their first lead of the game. Jantel Lavender, having a break through night, then followed it with two jumpers separated with by a Candice Dupree layup to give the home team a 4 point cushion.
49 second later Penny Taylor followed with a dagger from downtown to make it a one point contest. The momentum of the game however had been shifted Thompson again slipped in a free throw followed by a layup to restore the four point advantage for Sparks.
Penny Taylor again knocked down a three on the ensuing Phoenix possession and two Milton Jones free throws later, she drove down the lane for a layup to make it 90-91. However after Thompson let go of the ball at the other end, Taylor followed suit with turnover, giving Sparks an opportunity to call a time out with 03.4 second remaining.
When play returned, Taurasi fouled, Milton Jones took the free throws and Mercury got a chance to have a shot with 02.5 to go. Taylor returned for the crucial chance, but missed a game tying three as Sparks came from behind to pin Mercury in overtime 93-90.
Penny Taylor finished with a game-high 29 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists while Diana Taurasi had 21 points and 6 assist. For Sparks, Jantel Lavender came off the bench and pounded a double-double with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Noelle Quinn had 19; Natasha Lacy finished with 13 while Tina Thompson and Milton Jones finished the game with 11 points apiece.
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