Mystics’ Tina Charles is the league’s leading scorer.
Sparks’ head coach and GM, Derek Fisher, is remaking a team that is 4-3 so far on the year. In addition to guard Kristi Tolliver, who is the only player left from the Sparks 2016 championship team, Fisher counts on center Amanda Zahui B, who is averaging the highest point total of her career (11 ppg) since moving from New York. Erica Wheeler, brought in from the Indianapolis Fever, also contributes significantly.
The trio came through last Saturday night as the Sparks carved out a 5-point win, 68-63, over the Chicago Sky.
Wheeler had a game-high 22 points and 7-7 on free throws, while Zahui B contributed 13 points. Tolliver had a steady floor game.
Next up is a tall order against Tina Charles and the Washington Mystics. To leave DC tonight with a win, Wheeler and company will need to score and rebound in bunches and double-team Charles, who is averaging 25 ppg, tops in the league. The all-star center had a game-high 31 points and converted ten-of-ten free-throws in the Mystics’ last win v. the Minnesota Lynx.
Tip time is 7 p. Eastern.
