The Sparks Fizzle

Lisa Leslie returned to the purple palace slightly bigger than last season, putting on 15 pounds over the summer with a trainer. However, Phoenix as a team has also grown bigger, stronger, and faster.

We also had the Mercury logo on both sides of the court to open up the season as opposed to last year when the Suns log was still on the floor.

The season home opener began with a bang, fireworks and one of the ladies from En Vogue doing the National Anthem. Cheryl was on the big screen, shouting out from last year how the fans were the Six Player, the X-Factor, and the team couldn't do it without us. Then on the screen came Danny Manning, who was awarded the Six Player honors for this past season. Not sure what he said, because the fans were screaming so loudly, which got even louder when they realized Danny was sitting court-side.

Since this game was being telecast on NBC, they only announced the starters for each team. We began with same line up from last year: Foster, Webb, Gillom, Pettis, and Timms.

It took us forever to score. Our great defense was getting us good opportunities, but the shot weren't falling. We made four free throws to keep in the game the first five minutes, but it was Webb that made the first and second basket and after that, around the 12 minute mark, the shots started to fall and the Merc went on an 11-2 run.

Webb was incredible, nabbing four steals, four assists, four rebounds, and nine points. No doubt she saw the local papers predicting she might be one of the players cut when the roster needs to be pared back to 11 +1 on the injured list. Mikiko Hagiwara and Marlis Askamp have yet to prove themselves with this new team. Kuklova, however, needs to built up her confidence. She blew many opportunities at easy lay-ups. No doubt the language barrier has got to be a major hurtle. Speaking of which, Maria Stepanova did not make any appearance this day. She had two minutes in Sacramento and ended up with one turn over, one out of two free throws made, and a one spill to the floor. After the Mystic game Monday night, Cheryl and her team of assistants will have a week to get to work with her.

New Aussie Michelle Griffith came in early to relieve Toni Foster who had a hurt foot and quickly won the hearts of the fans with her scoring and defensive ability. She posted up, drove the lane and even a hit three pointer. She also helps Gillom not get banged up as much.

Kristi Harrower, the other Aussie, is shorter than Timms (only 5'4") and I have to admit, is a better back up for Timms than Dena Evans or Laura Baker would have been, at least from what I saw at training camp and the pre-season game against Utah. She made an incredible last second lay-up at the end the first half that had the entire arena on their feet.

Brandy Reed didn't make any great mistakes or great moves. She will have to impress if she is to stay. She was phenomenal during the pre-season game. If she can find that magic again, her spot is safe. Pauline Jordan is a keeper. She make a hook shot for her first basket that was beautiful! That along with what she brings to the floor defensively, makes her fun to watch.

Pettis, my girl, after a great opener in Sacramento, had a slow start going 0-5, then drained a three for her first shot. She had some trouble with a lay up, but then had a great penetration move around three spark, including Leslie. She got in foul trouble early, but ended up playing a terrific game. Did you notice her calves? They seem bigger than I remember. Maybe she has bulked up as well.

Timms appears to have become strictly an assisting point guard. I hope to see her shooting confidence some back as the season progresses. She was 0-5 and only had 2 of 4 free throws for this entire game.

While Jamila Wideman said during a sideline interview that the place was sold out, I was surprised and disappointed there were only 13,057 in attendance. It was a Sunday afternoon, a great rival, the home opener... Of course, what I didn't know was there was an Arizona Diamondbacks game next door. After checking a few of last year's game reviews, I see that the beginning of the season was a little slower, but I hope my prediction of at least eight sell outs has a chance of coming true this season.

Oh, and what about the Sparks, you ask? I was surprised we beat LA so handily. I thought they'd put up more of a fight. Dixon and Leslie can't carry the whole team. They are going to have to get more production from their other starters and bench if they are going to try to make a run for the playoffs this year.

At one point in the second half, the Sparks had more turn overs than field goals. OUCH! At least twice they let the shot clock run out. They just plain looked tired. I remember Cheryl mentioning in training camp that she wants to have the team that, just when the opponent thinks they have no legs left, the Mercury continue to run them into the ground. Maybe that strategy is already working.

Leslie under the basket is money and in the beginning of the game, we couldn't stop her. She get into foul trouble early and that really hurt the Sparks. Pam McGee has to step up her game big time. Dixon came in and gave the Sparks a little spark in the last half, but she ended up fouling out.

Unlike Leslie, Haixia Zheng looks like she has lost some weight. She is still big, but a bit quicker, although she still looks like she is dragging when she runs.

Cheryl "peg leg" Miller also seems slimmer, not that I thought she was heavy before. Her face, when I compare it to last year's, seems thinner. Her classic hair look, and new "Zoot Suit" image suits her.

L.A. Coach, Julie Russo, is working on being as exciting to watch as Miller. She has a great role model. I hope the Sparks fans back in LA appreciate her.

In the end, it was the first W of the season and a good win. Michelle Griffith was Buick player of the game. Dixon fouled out and Leslie was controlled under the basket. A great start to what is sure to be a great season.