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| Sunday, May 16 Updated: May 19, 12:30 AM ET Inside the Los Angeles Sparks |
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ANALYSIS BY NANCY LIEBERMAN  When Detroit and Los Angeles clashed in the WNBA finals last season, the two teams weren't that different. They both boasted very skilled, athletic and physical starting lineups. They both featured a tremendously talented big in the paint.
But in knocking off the Sparks and preventing Los Angeles' quest for a threepeat, Detroit seemed to have the edge because it had something L.A. didn't: a bench.
A year later, however, the Sparks remain a well-oiled machine and have one of their strongest groups of reserves -- including incredible depth in the post -- in franchise history. And as a result, L.A. is a contender to recapture the WNBA title in 2004. A couple of free agents who had spent their entire careers (a combined 12 seasons) in New York, as well as some solid draft picks, play a big part in the Sparks' bright outlook. Eight-year veteran Teresa Weatherspoon, a quintessential leader who will serve as Nikki Teasley's backup at point guard, has started all 220 games of her WNBA career, including 29 playoff games. Tamika Whitmore, who has tallied nearly 1,400 points and almost 400 rebounds over her previous five seasons, has started more than 100 games and averaged 8.2 points for the Liberty last season. L.A.'s entire starting lineup returns, including Lisa Leslie, the standard by which all centers are measured. Three-time All-Star Tamecka Dixon survived offseason trade rumors and must put in another All-Star season (13.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 3.0 apg, 43.7 percent from the field in 2003), while Mwadi Mabika must rebound from a subpar season (she averaged 13.8 points last season, three fewer than in 2002, and also one less rebound while shooting a dismal 26.4 percent from 3-point range). And Nikki Teasley, now in her third season, needs to continue to step up her game with veteran leadership. Still, much of the Sparks' success this season depends on DeLisha Milton-Jones' recovery from an ACL torn on Feb. 22. The 6-foot-1 forward opted to forego surgery and instead headed to see a specialist in Austria who focuses on "knee tissue manipulation," which is believed to stimulate re-growth of the tissue in a non-invasive procedure. By the end of April, Milton-Jones was cleared to play, and she averaged 6.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 19.5 minutes in two preseason games. Her presence is vital. Though Leslie is the best center in the world, she's even better with Milton-Jones beside her. And that's because Milton-Jones complements Leslie perfectly. If Leslie strays outside to develop her game, Milton-Jones stays in the middle. When Leslie needs to remain in the paint, Milton-Jones is versatile enough to go outside and hit the jumper; she also has improved on taking people off the dribble. Milton-Jones is also a fearless defender who has done a lot of the dirty work over the years and has been the catalyst for a lot of L.A.'s success.
STARTING FIVE
Nikki Teasley, PG: A clutch player who has drawn big-time talent. She's a great passer and 3-point shooter, but Teasley must cut down her turnovers (3.3 in playoffs, 2.7 over her career).Tamecka Dixon, SG: She's a hard worker on defense and a tough competitor who can penetrate inside or hit the jumper. Mwadi Mabika, SF: This eight-year veteran is still a great athlete and all-around star. Last season, her 3-point field-goal percentage dipped 10 points (to 26.4 percent), though, and she needs to get that back up near the 36 and 38 percent accuracy she hit in 2001-02. DeLisha Milton-Jones, PF: Nicknamed D-Nasty for her ability to get in other players' heads, Milton-Jones has improved her game every year since graduating from Florida in 1997. She is a savvy veteran, a tremendous rebounder and great physical defender. Lisa Leslie, C: Though Lauren Jackson was certainly deserving, Leslie still might have edged the Seattle star for the MVP award if Leslie hadn't gotten injured in the All-Star game. Leslie is one of the best competitors I've ever seen.
BENCH
Last season, reserves Rhonda Mapp and Jen Gillom combined for just 5.7 points and 4.5 rebounds, and really didn't provide any post depth off the bench. But this season, especially with Tamika Whitmore on the roster, L.A. has its strongest post depth in franchise history. Whitmore had a career year in 2002 after dropping some weight and devoting herself to conditioning, and she continued to improve last season. She has a good face-up game and can take you off the dribble. Whitmore has always had talent, but wasn't threatened for playing time in New York. L.A. is a perfect fit for her because Whitmore's game will continue to develop simply because she will face Leslie and Milton-Jones in practice every day. The only pressure on Whitmore is to be consistent, and so far, so good -- she tallied 11 points, seven rebounds and no turnovers in 20 minutes against the Liberty.
In addition to Weatherspoon and Whitmore, L.A. also brought in some talented rookies. It starts with Christi Thomas (six points, eight rebounds, 22 minutes vs. New York), a solid low-post who could play the 5 and allow Leslie to move to the 4 more often. The Sparks' second-round pick, Doneeka Hodges, a terrific 3-point shooter who replaces Nicky McCrimmon and is said to have had a great preseason. Laura Macchi, touted as the "Italian DeLisha Milton-Jones" and the best player from her country, is 6-1 (like Milton-Jones), a shooter with range and a tough forward who handles the ball well.
QUESTION THAT NEEDS TO BE ANSWERED
Can Whitmore and Thomas provide the post depth that was lacking last season? Staying healthy also is a must. After Leslie's right knee injury in the All-Star game, the Sparks went just 4-7 in her absence.
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