Sparks Win, but Look Lost Without Candace Parker

With Candace Parker on the sidelines again, her entire team is feeling the pain. In their last 12 games, the Los Angeles Sparks have won just three. However, watching the latest game against the Chicago Sky, it looks like the Sparks are not laying down just yet.

In an 88 to 84 win against the Sky, Sparks' DeLisha Milton-Jones knocked down 19 points and two critical free throws to stop the Sky's comeback during the second half. With just a minute left on the clock, the Sparks were only two points ahead and then Milton-Jones clinched those free throws. Those points were likely what won the game for the Sparks.

We also cannot forget about Jantel Lavender's 13 points, Tina Thompson's 14 points and Kristi Toliver's 12 points. While the Sparks lost a 20-point lead, they collected themselves when it really counted and came out as a team to put this game away.

While the Sparks showed that they can win a game, they do look lost without Candace Parker. They have the talent, so perhaps her being injured is just really bringing down morale? It is hard to say. This last game against the Sky has proven that Milton-Jones and team can bring big numbers, but perhaps they just have to work harder at playing as a unit.

With a lateral meniscus tear in her right knee, Candace Parker is likely to still be out for another few weeks. "Prior to her injury, Parker averaged 17.7 points, 9.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists through seven games, recording four double-doubles," according to stats on WNBA.com. Those are some numbers that the Sparks could really use right now.

The next game for the Sparks is on Sunday, July 31, 2011, against Indiana. With a 13 and 6 record for this season, Indiana is not going to be an easy team to to beat. The Sparks need to focus on their defense and ball-handling, and working as a team unit if they expect to add another to the win column.