Pauley Pavilion awaits » Sep 21, 2009
Thanks to Candace Parker's drive, Lisa Leslie's career and L.A. aren't done yet ... After 12 seasons in the WNBA, Lisa Leslie is retiring. (ESPN -- WNBA)
Parker, Sparks top Storm in decisive Game 3 Sep 21, 2009
SEATTLE (AP) -- Retirement will have to wait for another day for Lisa Leslie -- or at least for another two games. Leslie had 13 points and eight rebounds, and Candace Parker scored 22 points and keyed a second-quarter run that led the Los Angeles Sparks over the Seattle Storm 75-64 Sunday in the deciding third game of the WNBA Western Conference semifinals. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Little, Storm Edge Sparks, Force Decisive Game 3 Sep 19, 2009
Lisa Leslie, trying to win a third championship in her final season, scored 12 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in the win. ABC 7 Talkback. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Leslie, Johnson winding down their WNBA careers Sep 19, 2009
Sometime in the coming days or perhaps weeks, Lisa Leslie and Vickie Johnson will each play her last game in the WNBA.. When their teams are eliminated or win the playoffs that began earlier this week and they walk off the court, the two will be ending careers that have been associated with the league since its inception in 1997. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Little's steal and layup give Storm 75-74 win to even first-round series with Sparks Sep 19, 2009
Los Angeles Sparks' Lisa Leslie, right, grabs for the ball with Seattle Storm's Janell Burse in the first quarter of game two of a WNBA first round basketball game Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, in Seattle ... Lisa Leslie, whose tip-in with 27. (FOX61, CT)
Mystics C/F Langhorne named most improved Sep 18, 2009
After 12 seasons in the WNBA, Lisa Leslie is retiring. What's next. (ESPN -- WNBA)
Posada, Carlson begin three-game bans Sep 17, 2009
Lisa Leslie added 14 points and 10 rebounds in what might have been the final home game of her storied career before she retires at season s end. Deanna Nolan scored 25 points as the host Shock rallied for a 94-89 victory over the Dream in the opener of their Eastern Conference first-round series. (Boston Globe)
Sparks Jump Out Early, Hold On To Take Game 1 From Storm Sep 17, 2009
(Sports Network) - Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker each recorded double-doubles -- Leslie with 14 points and 10 rebounds and Parker with 13 points and 10 boards -- as Los Angeles jumped out early then held on for a 70-63 victory over Seattle in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. Tina Thompson led the Sparks with 16 points, pacing a frontcourt that was in the middle of a 22-6 scoring spree in the first period. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Jackson-less Storm succumb to Sparks Sep 17, 2009
" The Sparks boast a world-class frontline, including Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker and Tina Thompson. Seattle know they need to step up collectively if they are to overcome Jackson's absence and avoid a fifth straight first-round playoff exit. "With Lauren being out, we have to do it by committee," said Storm forward Swin Cash, who finished with a game-high 24 points. "We have to get more post touches and make them guard us inside. "There are a lot of things we could have done down the stretch to... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Sport)
Sparks Hold Off Mercury Sep 14, 2009
It marked the final regular season game in the illustrious career of Lisa Leslie, who announced prior to the season that she would retire following the campaign. The 37-year-old spent her entire career -- dating back to 1997 -- with the Sparks, winning three MVP awards and two WNBA titles in her tenure up to this point. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Sparks Rout Lynx, Honor Leslie Sep 12, 2009
(Sports Network) - Lisa Leslie poured in 19 points along with six rebounds as Los Angeles rolled past Minnesota, 90-61. The 37-year-old Leslie, for whom this will be the final season in a 12-year career, added a pair of assists and a steal for the Sparks, who have won two in a row and wrap up the regular season Sunday at Phoenix. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Magic, Sparks honor Leslie at final home game Sep 12, 2009
Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Sparks honor Lisa Leslie on final home game - ESPN ... LOS ANGELES -- Lisa Leslie was honored by the Los Angeles Sparks and Magic Johnson before the start of her final regular-season home game Friday night ... Lisa Leslie has defined her career with relentless, consistent excellence. (ESPN -- WNBA)
Leslie scores 19 in final home game with Sparks Sep 12, 2009
Lisa Leslie scores 19 in final home game - More Sports - SI.com ... LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Lisa Leslie scored 19 points in her last regular-season home game for Los Angeles and Tina Thompson also had 19 for the Sparks in a 90-61 rout of the Minnesota Lynx on Friday. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Lidge on shaky ground as Phils closer Sep 10, 2009
Lisa Leslie s 18 points helped the Sparks secure a WNBA playoff spot with a 76-68 victory over the Silver Stars in Los Angeles. Tamika Catchings and Katie Douglas scored 17 points apiece, helping the Fever beat the Liberty, 69-63, in New York and tie Phoenix for the league s best record (22-10). (Boston Globe -- Sports)
UConn coach's daughter hired to cover his team Sep 10, 2009
With players like Lisa Leslie retiring, it's time to look at the next generation of players. . (ESPN -- Women's Basketball)
WNBA: Mercury crush Dream, clinch No. 1 seed Sep 6, 2009
Lisa Leslie scored 21 points, and Candace Parker had 14 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists as the Sparks (15-16) lost their second straight game and their second straight chance at clinching a playoff berth. Tina Thompson added 12 points. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Dream Top Sparks In La Sep 2, 2009
Lisa Leslie poured in 24 points for the Sparks, who have dropped two of their last three on the heels of a six-game win streak. Candace Parker notched 15 points and 14 rebounds while Tina Thompson added 19 points in the loss. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Dream rally to knock off Sparks 84-79 Sep 2, 2009
Lisa Leslie scored 24 points for the Sparks (15-15), who haave lost two of three after winning six consecutive games. Tina Thompson added 19 points and Candace Parker had 15 points and a season-best 14 rebounds. (Anchorage Daily News)
Mercury beats Sparks 98-90 to end LA's win streak Aug 28, 2009
"That's the team we're going to have to beat to win the championship," said Lisa Leslie, who led the Sparks with 23 points. Los Angeles has yet to beat the Mercury in three games, with one remaining. (Anchorage Daily News)
Playoff-bound Mercury Take Down Sparks Aug 28, 2009
Lisa Leslie had 23 points to pace the Sparks, who had a six-game winning streak snapped. Betty Lennox finished with 18 points and six rebounds, while Tina Thompson had 17 points to go along with a season-high seven assists. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Sparks Take Down Sky Aug 26, 2009
(Sports Network) - Lisa Leslie poured in 21 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and blocked a season-high three shots to lead the Los Angeles Sparks past the Chicago Sky, 75-63, at Staples Center. Candace Parker also added 21 points for the Sparks, who won their sixth straight game. (ABC 7 News, DC)
WNBA: Sparks streak on behind Parker, Leslie Aug 26, 2009
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Candace Parker scored 21 points, Lisa Leslie had 21 points and 12 rebounds and the Los Angeles Sparks pulled away in the fourth quarter to beat the Chicago Sky 75-63 Tuesday night for their sixth consecutive victory. DeLisha Milton-Jones added 12 points and Parker grabbed eight rebounds, just missing her WNBA-leading 10th double-double. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Dream falls at Philips in front of sellout crowd Aug 24, 2009
Elissa Eubanks/AJC Los Angeles Sparks center Lisa Leslie hugs Atlanta Dream head coach Marynell Meadors at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Ga Sunday, Aug, 23, 2009 on her last Atlanta visit ... With retiring veteran star Lisa Leslie in foul trouble the entire game, Parker picked it up in the third quarter as the Sparks erased the Dream s six-point lead to regain control of the game. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
WNBA: Parker paces Sparks to overtime victory Aug 22, 2009
Lisa Leslie and Tina Thompson both had 14 to help Los Angeles win in San Antonio for the first time since July 26, 2006. "Well, it's one for me, but every time we've come here, we've lost," said Parker of the losing streak to Silver Stars. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Brunson leads Monarchs past Fever, 67-62 Aug 21, 2009
Sacramento Mopnarchs forward Rebekkah Brunson gets by Los Angeles Sparks center Lisa Leslie in the first half of a WNBA basketball game, Friday, Aug. 14, 2009, in Los Angeles. The Monarchs won 85-79. (Anchorage Daily News)
Leslie lifts Sparks to 78-63 win over Lynx Aug 20, 2009
LOS ANGELES - Lisa Leslie scored a season-high 28 points to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a 78-63 victory over the Minnesota Lynx on Wednesday night. Story tools. (Anchorage Daily News)
Leslie, Sparks Crush Lynx Aug 20, 2009
(Sports Network) - Lisa Leslie poured in a season-high 28 points and grabbed five rebounds, as the Los Angeles Sparks handled the Minnesota Lynx, 78-63, at Staples Center. DeLisha Milton-Jones added 12 points, six rebounds, and four assists for the Sparks, who have won three in a row after a two-game skid. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Parker, Ferdinand-Harris help Sparks pull one out Aug 19, 2009
LOS ANGELES - Lisa Leslie scored 20 points, Candace Parker finished with 15 points, 12 rebounds and five assists, and the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Washington Mystics 72-69 on Tuesday night. Story tools. (Anchorage Daily News)
Venus Williams knocked off in Toronto Aug 19, 2009
Lisa Leslie scored 20 points and Candace Parker added 15 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists as the Sparks beat the Washington Mystics, 72-69, in Los Angeles. Knicks guard Nate Robinson was arrested in New York for driving with a suspended license. (Boston Globe -- Sports)
Deep discount on Color Purple | 50% off Chicago | Free beer tasting Aug 18, 2009
Not included in the deal is Sunday s 3 p.m. game against the Los Angeles Sparks, starring Candace Parker and Lisa Leslie. There are still $10 tickets available for that game, but the seats aren t as good. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Metro)
WNBA: Victory puts Dream into second in East Aug 16, 2009
She is the fourth WNBA player to score at least 5,000 points, joining Lisa Leslie, Katie Smith and Tina Thompson ... Noelle Quinn added 14 points, DeLisha Milton-Jones 13 and Lisa Leslie had 12 points and nine rebounds for the Sparks, who snapped a two-game losing streak. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
Sparks Trounce Monarchs Aug 16, 2009
Lisa Leslie had 12 points and pulled down nine rebounds in the win. ABC 7 Talkback. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Brunson Leads Monarchs Over Sparks Aug 15, 2009
Lisa Leslie, who blocked her 800th career shot in the first frame, poured in a game-high 25 points and pulled down five boards for the Sparks, who have lost two in a row. Tina Thompson had 12 points, while Candace Parker ended with 10 points and 10 rebounds. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Federer, Nadal upset in Rogers Cup Aug 15, 2009
Los Angeles s Lisa Leslie led all scorers with 25 points, but the Sparks still lost to the visiting Sacramento Monarchs, 85-79. The Denver Nuggets have re-signed backup point guard Anthony Carter. (Boston Globe)
Monarchs beat Sparks 85-79 behind Brunson's 19 Aug 15, 2009
Lisa Leslie scored 25 points and blocked her 800th career shot in the first quarter for the Sparks, who lost their second in a row against a conference-worst team. They were beaten by the New York Liberty, who trail the Eastern Conference standings, on Tuesday. (Anchorage Daily News)
Liberty Outshine Sparks Aug 12, 2009
Lisa Leslie had a game-high 12 points and five rebounds to pace the Sparks, whose two-game win streak was halted. Candace Parker and Betty Lennox poured in 11 points each, with Parker pulling down a game-best 11 rebounds in defeat. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Leslie's Milestone Night Leads LA Past Indy Aug 11, 2009
(Sports Network) - Lisa Leslie poured in 21 points to become the first player in WNBA history to reach 6,000 career points, as the Sparks beat the Fever, 75-63, at Staples Center. Leslie finished with 11 rebounds and two assists for Los Angeles, which won for the second time in a row. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Leslie has 21 points, 11 boards to becomes 1st to 6,000 points as Sparks beat Fever 75-63 Aug 11, 2009
Indiana Fever's Tamika Catchings (24) passes the ball as she is defended by Los Angeles Sparks' Lisa Leslie, center, and DeLisha Milton-Jones (8) during a WNBA basketball game in Los Angeles, Monday, Aug. 10, 2009 ... LOS ANGELES (AP) Lisa Leslie had 21 points and 11 rebounds, and became the first WNBA player to reach 6,000 career points as the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Indiana Fever 75-63 on Monday night. (FOX61, CT)
Leslies tops 6,000 points, leads Sparks past Fever Aug 11, 2009
LOS ANGELES - Lisa Leslie had 21 points and 11 rebounds, and became the first WNBA player to reach 6,000 career points as the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Indiana Fever 75-63 on Monday night. Story tools. (Anchorage Daily News)
Quinn Leads Sparks Over Storm In Ot Aug 7, 2009
Candace Parker registered 18 points and 13 rebounds, while Lisa Leslie tallied 15 points in the win. Lauren Jackson scored 21 for the Storm, who lost for the second consecutive time. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Aaron wants 2003 steroid list released Aug 5, 2009
Becky Hammon scored 20 points to rally the San Antonio Silver Stars past host Los Angeles, 63-59, spoiling the return of the Sparks Lisa Leslie, who missed seven weeks with hip and knee injuries. Penny Taylor scored 7 of her 18 points in overtime, including a key 3-pointer with 1:03 left, to lead the Phoenix Mercury to their 10th win in 12 games, 101-90, over the Seattle Storm. (Boston Globe)
Roenick expected to end 20-year career Aug 5, 2009
The Sparks' Lisa Leslie, in her first game since spraining her right knee and bruising her right hip on June 19, finished with 13 points in 24 minutes. Shock 76, Liberty 64: Deanna Nolan had 26 points and a career-high 14 rebounds to lead host Detroit past struggling New York (6-13), which lost its season-high fifth straight. (News & Observer -- Sports)
West best in WNBA All-Star game Jul 26, 2009
Powell, a late roster addition in place of the injured Lisa Leslie, made consecutive 3s to push the West's lead to 113-102 with 4:10 left. After DeSouza's layup pulled the East within eight 34 seconds later, Cash had a layup with 3:15 left to restore the West's double-digit lead for good. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Edwards to join Women's Hall of Fame Jul 26, 2009
She is the only American basketball player to compete in the Olympics five times and joins Lisa Leslie and Carl Lewis as the only Americans to earn gold medals in four different Olympics. Edwards' Olympic teams had a combined record of 31-1 and won gold in 1984, 1988, 1996 and 2000 to go with a bronze medal in 1992. (Athens Banner-Herald)
NOTEBOOK: Commish confident of 13 teams in 2010 Jul 26, 2009
MISSING LISA: Players were disappointed that Lisa Leslie couldn't make it to the All-Star game in her final WNBA season ... " Fowles, who was on the United States' gold medal-winning team at the Beijing Olympics during her rookie season last year, had a crowd-pleasing dunk with about 15 seconds to go. It was the third dunk in an All-Star game, following Lisa Leslie (2005) and Michelle Snow (2006). "I was excited about it that I had a chance to do it in front of the fans and let them see that I... (USA Today -- Sports)
Cash sets scoring record in WNBA All-Star Game Jul 26, 2009
Powell, a late roster addition in place of the injured Lisa Leslie, made consecutive 3s to push the West's lead to 113-102 with 4:10 left. Leslie (2001), Tina Thompson (2002) and Deanna Nolan (2005) shared the previous All-Star game record of 20 points. (SportsIllustrated.CNN)
Taurasi set to return Saturday in WNBA All-Star game Jul 25, 2009
Los Angeles' Lisa Leslie who is planning to retire after the season was also voted as a starter, but will miss the All-Star game due to a sprained right knee. "It's unfortunate she couldn't be here in her last one and get the send-off she deserves," Sparks teammate Tina Thompson said. (USA Today -- Sports)
MYSTICS LEADER: Washington's Beard gets her due Jul 25, 2009
Sacramento Monarchs forward Nicole Powell will replace Los Angeles Sparks center Lisa Leslie (knee sprain) at the All-Star Game, Leslie's last before retiring at the end of the season. President Obama will host the defending WNBA champion Detroit Shock at the White House on Monday. (USA Today -- Sports)
WNBA: Not Just a Punch Line Anymore Jul 24, 2009
It's certainly good for the players, especially such high-profile stars as the Los Angeles Sparks' Lisa Leslie, who commands more than $1. 25 million per year in salary and endorsements, and the Indiana Fever's Tamika Catchings, who ranks as the top vote-getter in WNBA All-Star balloting presented by. (BusinessWeek)
Monarchs' Powell to replace Leslie as All-Star Jul 23, 2009
Monarchs' Nicole Powell to replace Lisa Leslie as All-Star - ESPN ... NEW YORK -- Sacramento Monarchs forward Nicole Powell has replaced injured Los Angeles center Lisa Leslie for the Western Conference All-Star team. (ESPN -- Women's Basketball)
Reserves » Jul 21, 2009
Other Western reserves include Tina Thompson (Sparks), who will make her eighth All-Star appearance to tie teammate Lisa Leslie for the league record. Nicky Anosike (Lynx), Charde Houston (Lynx), and Sophia Young (Silver Stars) fill out the roster. (ESPN -- Women's Basketball)
Cooper focused on Sparks, excited for Southern Cal Jul 21, 2009
All-Star center Lisa Leslie, one of the league's most popular players, is retiring at the end of the season and has been sidelined for the last few weeks with a sprained ankle. A team that was predicted to win a third WNBA championship has gone 4-8 and is languishing near the bottom of the Western Conference. (Anchorage Daily News)
Fever's Catchings tops WNBA All-Star balloting Jul 15, 2009
Also elected for the West were Los Angeles' Lisa Leslie, currently sidelined with a sprained right knee, and Seattle's Swin Cash -- giving the Storm three starters. Copyright 2009. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- NBA)
Story » Jul 15, 2009
Los Angeles center Lisa Leslie completes the Western Conference lineup in her final season before retiring. Leslie, a three-time All-Star MVP, leads all players in WNBA history with eight All-Star appearances. (ESPN -- Women's Basketball)
Catchings Top Vote-getter; Bird Highlights WNBA All-star Starters Jul 15, 2009
Los Angeles' Lisa Leslie and San Antonio's Becky Hammon round out the starting five. ABC 7 Talkback. (ABC 7 News, DC)
WNBA All-Stars Jul 15, 2009
In the West, the Los Angeles Sparks' Lisa Leslie, in her final season, will make a record eighth trip to the game ... C Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles 10. (USA Today -- Sports)
WNBA: Observations & Interviews Jul 11, 2009
With the league's "it-girl," Candace Parker, retiring legend Lisa Leslie and newly acquired Tina Thompson, many had L.A. pegged for greatness. Even after a win in New York on July 9 however, the Sparks record stands at a lackluster 4-6. (KFOXTV.com, TX)
WNBA: Team effort propels Sparks past Liberty Jul 10, 2009
Although they got Parker back in their last game, the Sparks are still without Lisa Leslie. The three-time MVP sprained her right knee in a loss to Phoenix on June 19 and is expected to rejoin the team later this month. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- More)
WNBA Sparks Beat Liberty Jul 10, 2009
L.A. Beats New York 69-60 Without Lisa Leslie ... Yet the Los Angeles Sparks, 10 games into league legend Lisa Leslie's final WNBA campaign, have salvaged only four wins ... "We're learning what it takes to be a team," says Parker, whose return coincided with a Lisa Leslie ankle injury. (Suite101.com)
WNBA's originals leave league in good shape Jul 7, 2009
As Lisa Leslie prepares to say goodbye to the league, the WNBA is not just surviving, it's thriving ... The opportunities for female athletes were so minimal back then it was no wonder Lisa Leslie had modest expectations when she first heard about the WNBA. She envisioned a summer league, with games in small gyms and players wearing reversible jerseys. (MSNBC -- Sports)
Giving children a chance (4) Jul 4, 2009
"Los Angeles Sparks' legend Lisa Leslie was inspired enough by the foundation to wake up at 4:40 a.m. the morning after a basketball game to attend the "Lend a Hand Today" filming. Leslie presented the children with tickets to a Sparks game, and gave Collins and Roker personalized jerseys. "I am from the inner city as well," Leslie said. "It is great that these kids have the opportunity to do sports they otherwise would not do. We do not really have access to surf and go to the beach when living... (Malibu Times, CA)
Parker to return to Sparks vs. Mercury Sunday Jul 4, 2009
Lisa Leslie has been out since suffering a right knee sprain against Phoenix on June 19. The Sparks (3-5) are next-to-last in the Western Conference and have yet to win a road game, although they are undefeated at Staples Center. (ESPN -- Women's Basketball)
Stockton, Dream Team Get Olympic Hall of Fame Nod Jul 2, 2009
She is also one of only three U.S. Olympians to win gold in four different Olympic Games, joining former teammate Lisa Leslie and sprinter Carl Lewis. Only five other non-U.S. athletes have accomplished the feat. (Gozags.com)
NAMES & FACES Jul 2, 2009
"I love to be in the gym, work out, and play." Parker is the fifth Sparks player to become a mom, including three-time league MVP Lisa Leslie. Calvin Borel. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Candace Parker rejoins Sparks after giving birth Jul 2, 2009
Three-time league MVP Lisa Leslie sat out the 2007 season because of her pregnancy. Leslie, who will retire after this season, said it took about a year to feel like she was back to 100 percent on the court. (MSNBC -- Sports)
