Los Angeles Sparks 2017 season: 26–8, scoring 83.5 points per game and allowing 75.2 (+8.3 average margin) across 34 games. Updated August 16, 2026.
Scouting report
The Sparks finished 26–8, 2nd in the league standings, with a +10.6 net rating that ranked 2nd of 12. They won at both ends: 2nd in offensive rating and 2nd in defensive rating. Their calling cards were outshooting opponents (52% eFG vs. 47.7% allowed) and forcing turnovers (opponents give it away on 20.9% of possessions); the soft spot, offensive rebounding (8.5 a game, 11th). Nneka Ogwumike (18.8 ppg) and Candace Parker (16.9) carried the scoring load between them, though the on/off numbers point to Chelsea Gray as the one they can least afford to lose — +12.5 per 100 possessions better with her on the floor. The high points: an 8-game winning streak (Jun 10–Jul 2) and a 33-point rout of the Mystics on Aug 16. The lows: a 14-point loss at the Liberty on Aug 13. They went 13–2 against teams at .500 or better. Bottom line: a legitimate title contender, and a lack of second chances was the one thing that could trip them up.
Season summary
Record 26–8.
83.5 points scored, 75.2 allowed per game.
Net rating +10.6 per 100 possessions (offense 106.7, defense 96.1, pace 77.2).
Nneka Ogwumike leads the team at 18.8 ppg.
Candace Parker leads the team at 8.4 rpg.
Chelsea Gray leads the team at 4.4 apg.
Recent results
W 75-55 vs SAN
W 82-67 @ PHO
W 78-67 vs MIN
W 81-56 vs ATL
W 81-70 vs CON
Sparks roster
Nneka Ogwumike #30, F — 18.8 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.1 apg in 34 games
Candace Parker #3, F-C — 16.9 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 4.3 apg in 33 games
Chelsea Gray #12, G — 14.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 4.4 apg in 34 games
Odyssey Sims #1, G — 9.6 ppg, 1.9 rpg, 3.5 apg in 31 games
Alana Beard #0, G-F — 6.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.2 apg in 34 games
Jantel Lavender #42, C — 7.3 ppg, 3 rpg, 0.9 apg in 32 games
Riquna Williams #2, G — 6.4 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 0.7 apg in 23 games
Essence Carson #17, F-G — 4.8 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.2 apg in 24 games
Sydney Wiese #24, G — 2.3 ppg, 0.8 rpg, 0.3 apg in 28 games
Tiffany Jackson #33, F — 1.1 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 0.1 apg in 26 games
Sandrine Gruda #7, F-C — 1.1 ppg, 0.6 rpg, 0 apg in 7 games
Maimouna Diarra #26, C — 0.3 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 0.1 apg in 10 games
Also on this page
Shot-zone charts shaded against the WNBA average, four factors versus opponents, most-used lineups by net rating, on/off player impact, and where the Sparks rank league-wide.