Parker, Leslie push Sparks past Dream

Updated: May 6, 2008, 8:42 PM EST 2 comments

Leslie played her first game since missing all of 2007 on maternity leave, but the three-time league MVP still finished with 18 points and seven rebounds.

After leading Tennessee to a second straight NCAA title last month, Parker is eager to help the Sparks win their third championship under coach Michael Cooper.

"I pulled Coop aside and said, 'Man, I love having someone to run the floor with me," Parker said as she smiled at Leslie. "It's like, 'Pick your poison.' I mean if you stop the layup, I'm going to hit her, and she's going to make a move, cut back or whatever. I was on the floor and just had pinch myself, honestly."

Cooper, whose team led 70-49 at the end of the third quarter, pulled Parker out of the game with three minutes left in the period. Leslie was already resting on the bench, her night finished after less than 20 minutes.

"Tonight I was in ecstasy," said Cooper, a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. "It was truly a pleasure to watch these ladies play."

Carla Thomas and Tamera Young each scored 15 points to lead the Dream, who were outscored 18-6 on the fast break and 38-18 in the paint.

An announced crowd of 7,932 watched at Philips Arena, which hosted the Atlanta Hawks' Game 6 playoff win over Boston the night before.

It wasn't the first time Thomas tried to defend Parker. At Vanderbilt, Thomas faced Parker and the Lady Volunteers many times.

"She showed what she's capable of doing," Thomas said. "She can hurt you in so many ways on the floor."

Parker's problematic left shoulder was iced after the game, a customary procedure after getting injured in the NCAA tournament. She wasn't concerned about irritating the shoulder after missing a fastbreak dunk early in the third.

"I was not warm, so I probably should've just laid it up," Parker said. "Lisa made a little behind-the-head pass, so something came out of it."

After the Sparks went 10-24 last season, Cooper feels rejuvenated. Los Angeles opens the regular season May 17 at Phoenix in the first of four straight road games.

Leslie's return only reaffirmed Cooper's belief that the Sparks have a chance to go deep into the playoffs.

"You kind of take her greatness for granted," Cooper said before nodding at Parker, "and it is a true joy to watch (Parker) play and the way she plays. The exciting thing about it is she plays the game above the rim. Both of these do, so it's fun to watch and it's fun to coach."

Leslie had no trouble with any aspects of her game.

"I felt pretty good," she said. "We started out the game pretty strong. It's just really exciting basketball to be out on the floor and obviously to have Candace as a teammate. I can't stop smiling. I don't know how we got the No. 1 pick."

Cooper, sitting to her left, quickly interrupted.

"We were losing," he said with a grin.

Leslie's response was immediately.

"Well, I didn't lose, so I was just used to winning and then we got her as the No. 1 pick," she said. "I'm happy, and we have so many other great teammates around her."