Nneka Ogwumike told reporters after Wednesday’s 96-87 loss to Minnesota that she hopes she is talking about a victory the next time she’s in a press conference.
But she also took time to share thoughts on tying Lisa Leslie’s mark for most points in Los Angeles Sparks history. Ogwumike scored 23 points in defeat, tying the franchise record of 6,263 points.
“She (Lisa Leslie) is getting a statue. Being able to carry on the legacy she’s built in LA, it’s an honor,” Ogwumike said. “I wish it could have been with better circumstances, getting a win, but I do feel like we are playing more like LA lately.
“I’m grateful to be able to do the things I’ve done in a Sparks jersey,” Ogwumike later added. “I’m hoping that maybe we can talk next game and be one up in the win column.”
That chance for Ogwumike and the Sparks (10-13) will come Friday night when they visit the Chicago Sky (8-16), who are coming off a 95-90 win over the Seattle Storm on Wednesday.
Undrafted rookie Sydney Taylor poured in 17 points for the Sky as they snapped a two-game losing streak. Taylor is one of four rookies with more than 100 field goals made this season and the only to be undrafted. She is averaging 13.0 points and has scored in double figures in 11 of her last 12 outings, including four straight.
Chicago head coach Tyler Marsh had high praise for his rising star.
“She’s dynamic in how she can score,” Marsh told reporters. “I think that I’ve said it a bunch that you get enamored by her shot-making ability. But I think what gets lost is her downhill speed, and threat to attacking the rim. We want more of that.”
Chicago, averaging 86.8 points per game, aims to get its first win of the season over Los Angeles after falling 102-87 on July 10. Kamilla Cordoso has been dealing with a knee injury and hasn’t played since July 12. Skylar Diggins is also out with a knee injury, with no set return date.
Los Angeles, putting up 89.1 points per game, is led by Ogwumike, who is averaging 17.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per contest. Ogwumike has scored in double figures in nine straight games, putting up 20-plus points five times.
The Sparks are 3-7 in their last 10, including losing two in a row. Chicago is 4-6 in its last 10.
–Field Level Media
