Sparks spoil Brittney Griner’s WNBA return with blowout win
Nneka Ogwumike has 17 points, rookie Zia Cooke adds 14 and the Sparks defeat the Mercury, 94-71, in Griner’s first WNBA game since being jailed for nearly 10 months in Russia
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner, center, is double-teamed by the Sparks’ Chiney Ogwumike, left, and Layshia Clarendon during the third quarter of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Sparks’ Layshia Clarendon grabs a rebound as the Phoenix Mercury’s Evina Westbrook, left, defends during the third quarter of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner passes the ball as the Sparks’ Chiney Ogwumike defends during the first quarter of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, right, blocks a shot by Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike during the first half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Sparks’ Chiney Ogwumike (13) shoots as the Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner (42) defends during their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Sparks’ Chiney Ogwumike, left, controls the ball against the Phoenix Mercury’s Michaela Onyenwere, right, during the first half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner blocks a shot attempt by the Sparks’ Dearica Hamby, bottom, during the third quarter of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Sparks’ Karlie Samuelson celebrates a basket during the first half of their WNBA season opener against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi passes the ball as the Sparks’ Layshia Clarendon defends during the third quarter of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Sparks guard Dearica Hamby shoots as Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner defends during the first half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Nia Clouden loses the ball as the Sparks’ Karlei Samuelson defends during the second quarter of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike takes a shot as the Phoenix Mercury’s Brianna Turner defends during the first half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner controls the ball as the Sparks’ Joyner Holmes defends during the first half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, right, celebrates a foul with teammates during the first half of their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Sparks’ Amy Atwell takes a shot during the first half of their WNBA season opener against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Sparks forward Layshia Clarendon, right, shoots as Phoenix Mercury forward Brianna Turner defends during the first half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner, right, fouls Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike during the first half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner, center, is double-teamed by the Sparks’ Chiney Ogwumike, left, and Layshia Clarendon during the third quarter of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Sparks’ Chiney Ogwumike shoots as the Phoenix Mercury’s Brianna Turner defends during the third quarter of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner shoots in front of Sparks forward Layshia Clarendon, left, during the first half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Sparks guard Jordin Canada, right, shoots as the Phoenix Mercury’s Moriah Jefferson defends during the first half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner, center, shoots as the Sparks’ Chiney Ogwumike, right, defends during the first quarter of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Sparks’ Chiney Ogwumike, center, takes a shot during the first half of their WNBA season opener against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Michaela Onyenwere passes the ball as the Sparks’ Layshia Clarendon defends during the first quarter of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Sparks guard Zia Cooke shoots as the Phoenix Mercury’s Moriah Jefferson (8) defends during the second half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. Cooke scored 14 points in her professional debut, all in the second quarter, to help the Sparks take control in their 94-71 victory. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Sparks forward Chiney Ogwumike celebrates after a 3-pointer during the second half of their WNBA season opener against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner controls the ball as the Sparks’ Joyner Holems defends during the second half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Sparks guard Dearica Hamby (5) shoots as Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner defends during the second half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Sug Sutton drives around the Sparks’ Nneka Ogwumike during the second quarter of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Sparks forward Chiney Ogwumike (13) defends against Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) during the first half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi, left, draws drives into the Sparks’ Lexie Brown during the second quarter of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Sparks forward Chiney Ogwumike shoots during the second half of their WNBA season opener against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner shoots as Sparks guard Nia Clouden defends during the second half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner, right, is fouled by the Sparks’ Kianna Smith during the second half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner, right, is fouled by the Sparks’ Kianna Smith during the second half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner, right, loses the ball as the Sparks’ Chiney Ogwumike defends during the first quarter of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner reacts after a foul during the second half of their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner lies on the court after a foul during the second half of their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Sparks’ Chiney Ogwumike, top, forces a jump ball against the Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi during the second half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner controls the ball as the Sparks’ Nneka Ogwumike defends during the second half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Sparks guard Dearica Hamby, left, shoots as Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) defends during the second half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner controls the ball as Sparks guard Dearica Hamby, left, and Joyner Holems defend during the second half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) controls the ball as Sparks guard Dearica Hamby, left, and Joyner Holems defend during the second half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
A general view of play between the Sparks and the Phoenix Mercury during the second half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner blocks a shot by Sparks guard Dearica Hamby (5) during the second half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner (42) applauds on the court before their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Diana Taurasi handles the ball as the Sparks’ Karlie Samuelson defends during the second half of their WNBA season opener on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
The Sparks’ Nneka Ogwumike presents a team jersey to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris before the start of their WNBA season opener against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Sparks’ Nneka Ogwumike presents a team jersey to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris before the start of their WNBA season opener against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Vice President Kamala Harris holds up a jersey given to her by Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike before the start of their WNBA season opener against the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
A fan waves a picture of Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner’s face during their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner stands for the National Anthem before their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. Griner’s return, after she was jailed for nearly 10 months in Russia, is a reminder of the other 53 Americans wrongfully detained overseas and for their families and friends to not give up hope. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner warms up before their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner waits to warm up before their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner joins a group of girls for a photo on the court before a WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner joins a group of girls for a photo on the court before their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Vice President Kamala Harris, right, speaks to members of the Phoenix Mercury, including Brittney Griner, in the locker room before their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. Griner was playing in her first WNBA regular-season game since returning to the U.S. after spending nearly 10 months in a Russian prison. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner, left, and Moriah Jefferson listen as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to the team in the locker room before their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. Griner was playing in her first WNBA regular-season game since returning to the U.S. after spending nearly 10 months in a Russian prison. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
From left, the Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner, Moriah Jefferson and Brianna Turner listen as Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to the team in the locker room before their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. Griner was playing in her first WNBA regular-season game since returning to the U.S. after spending nearly 10 months in a Russian prison. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Vice President Kamala Harris, center, laughs while standing with Brittney Griner, top, and other members of the Phoenix Mercury in the locker room before their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. Griner was playing in her first WNBA regular-season game since returning to the U.S. after spending nearly 10 months in a Russian prison. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner warms up before their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner warms up before their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner, left, arrives before their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner, left, arrives before their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
The Phoenix Mercury’s Brittney Griner, left, arrives before their WNBA season opener against the Sparks on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Lakers great Magic Johnson, left, greets current Lakers coach Darvin Ham during the first half of the WNBA season opener between the Sparks and the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Lakers great Magic Johnson, left, greets current Lakers coach Darvin Ham during the first half of the WNBA season opener between the Sparks and the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Former Laker Michael Cooper dances with the Sparks’ mascot “Sparky” during the WNBA season opener between the Sparks and the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
Former Laker Michael Cooper and tennis great Billie Jean King chat during the WNBA season opener between the Sparks and the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena. (Photo by David Crane, Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG)
LOS ANGELES — In a WNBA season opener with Vice President Kamala Harris, Sparks owner Magic Johnson and Lakers head coach Darvin Ham in attendance, five Sparks scored in double figures, including rookie guard Zia Cooke with 14, in a 94-71 blowout win against Brittney Griner and the Phoenix Mercury on Friday night at Crypto.com Arena.
It was Griner’s first WNBA game since being jailed for nearly 10 months in Russia. Griner, who has been free since December when she was part of a high-profile prisoner swap, had 18 points, six rebounds and four blocked shots in 25 minutes.
All-Star forward Nneka Ogwumike had 17 points, four rebounds and three assists in 27 minutes to pace the Sparks. Sparks center Chiney Ogwumike, who was tasked with guarding Griner, finished with 15 points and a team-high seven rebounds in 25 minutes.
“September basketball in this league is so pretty and such an amazing product,” Sparks head coach Curt Miller said before the game. “In May, we’re all trying to find ourselves coming out of training camp.”
After trailing by 11 points early in the first quarter, the Sparks began to find themselves with back-to-back 3-pointers from guard Lexie Brown, who finished with 14 points (three 3-pointers) in 23 minutes and reserve forward Karlie Samuelson (13 points in 26 minutes off the bench). Samuelson was signed to a hardship contract Thursday, to fill the roster spot that would have been occupied by her sister Katie Lou, who is pregnant and expected to miss the season.
The Sparks trailed 22-19 at the end of the first quarter before Cooke helped turn things around.
Making her league debut in front of Dawn Staley, her former college coach at South Carolina, Cooke tied the score at 22 with the first points of her career on a three-point play. The 10th pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft then drilled a corner 3-pointer to tie the score again at 25. The 5-foot-9 guard scored all 14 of her points in the second quarter and finished 5 for 6 from the field (2 for 2 from behind the arc) and 2 for 2 from the free-throw line in 15 minutes off the bench. She also had two rebounds and two assists.
The Sparks took their first lead of the night at 30-28 when Samuelson made three free throws after being fouled early in the second quarter.
The Sparks outscored the Mercury 35-19 in the second quarter to build a 54-41 lead by halftime.
The Sparks extended their lead to 73-55 heading into the fourth quarter and coasted from there.
Diana Taurasi finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, and five assists for Phoenix, and Mercury point guard Moriah Jefferson had 16 points, four rebounds and four assists.
“For our situation, you’re trying to implement a whole new system, so we know it may not always look pretty or perfect tonight but we want to be fearless,” Miller explained. “We want to keep attacking. We never want to quit and we want to establish tonight what we’ve talked about and that’s our culture, that paper doesn’t win and we’re going to compete each and every night hard and then worry about what the scoreboard says at the end of the day because we know May basketball in this league is up and down to say the least.”
The Sparks will host the defending champion Las Vegas Aces next Thursday.
John W. Davis is a Sports Reporter at the Long Beach Press-Telegram. Based in Long Beach, he has worked on-air in local television markets as a multimedia journalist/news reporter in Orlando, Florida, and Fort Wayne, Indiana. Most recently, he has worked as a community-based journalist covering public health, racial justice, homelessness, development, and gentrification in South Los Angeles and Inglewood. He has also spent several years covering the Los Angeles Sparks and the WNBA as a reporter and podcast host. Davis is a graduate of Central Michigan University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in broadcast and cinematic arts. He is also a graduate of Syracuse University, where he received a master’s degree in broadcast journalism. Davis is also an adjunct professor at the USC Annenberg School of Journalism.
