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L.A. Sparks Bet on Defense to Defeat Las Vegas Aces

LOS ANGELES SENTINEL — If Las Vegas had Aces, the Los Angeles Sparks had a royal flush on Thursday in their 76-68 win over the Las Vegas Aces. The odds were against the Sparks as the Aces were searching for their 15th win of the season, which would have put them in first place in the WNBA.

Published

5 years ago

August 4, 2019

Oakland Post

By Amanda Scurlock

If Las Vegas had Aces, the Los Angeles Sparks had a royal flush on Thursday in their 76-68 win over the Las Vegas Aces. The odds were against the Sparks as the Aces were searching for their 15^th win of the season, which would have put them in first place in the WNBA.

“They’re a contender right now,” said Sparks center Nneka Ogwumike. “We would really like to be able to win the series because they’re the team we play four times this year.”

Some might have betted against the Sparks due to injuries, with Chiney Ogwumike and Alana Beard out, but their hand stayed hot throughout the game. Sparks star Candace Parker, guard Alexis Jones and forward Maria Vadeeva returned to the lineup.

Nneka led the Sparks with 19 points and 11 rebounds. Guard Chelsea Gray led the Sparks with 10 assists to complement 16 points. In her return, Parker made a showing with 16 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and four blocks.

Aces guard Kayla McBride had 19 points and forward Dearica Hamby made 11 rebounds with her 11 points. Las Vegas was without starting guard A’ja Wilson, who is out with an ankle injury.

The Sparks jumped to an 11-4 lead to begin the game, by Parker who had six points by the first timeout. Aces center Liz Cambage picked up two quick fouls and was soon subbed out the game.

“We know she was a big offensive part of her playing,” center Kalani Brown said about Cambage. “Her getting in foul trouble that takes away a lot so our girls can get to the paint.”

When the Aces’ shots were not falling, guard Tamera Young made plays to keep the Aces in the game. Las Vegas had a nine-point deficit at the end of the first.

Brown hit a jumper, pegging the Sparks score at 26. Then Los Angeles hit a four-minute lull, allowing Las Vegas to get within two points. Guard Kayla McBride would give the Aces the lead with a free throw; she continued to best the Sparks defense, scoring 11 points in the second quarter alone.

“Every now and then people get in foul trouble,” said Aces head coach Bill Laimbeer. “We have other players who are able to come in and pick it up. We got behind in the first quarter, but our bench did a good job of coming to get the game back and in their control for a tied half time.”

The Aces frontcourt managed the offense with a 10-3 run after the half. Ogwumike found shots around the Las Aves defense. Brown tied the game at 56 with a free throw and the Sparks began taking authority of the game late minutes of the third quarter. Guard Sydney Wiese tossed a no-look pass to Vadeeva, helping the Sparks remain in the lead.

“Sydney has been making big plays in practice,” Parker said. “I’ve watched her over the last three years develop.”

The Aces still competed in the fourth quarter; guard Kelsey Plum brought Las Vegas within one point. Cambage and McBride would also bring the game close, but Jones, Parker and Gray made shots to sustain the lead. Las Vegas only scored eight points in the final minutes of regulation.

“We missed a few chippy shots, layups,” Young said. “We wasn’t aggressive, I felt we let then get kind of comfortable and had lapses on communication.”

This article originally appeared in The Los Angeles Sentinel.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org