| 2019 Los Angeles Sparks season | |
|---|---|
| Coach | Derek Fisher |
| Arena | Staples Center |
| Attendance | 11,306 per game |
| Results | |
| Record | 28–6 (.824) |
| Place | 1st (Western) |
| Playoff finish | 3rd seed, Lost in Semifinals to Connecticut, 0-3 |
| Team Leaders | |
| Points | Candace Parker – 19.9 ppg |
| Rebounds | Jantel Lavender – 7.9 rpg |
| Assists | Chelsea Gray – 5.9 apg |
| Media | |
| Television | Spectrum SportsNet ESPN2, CBSSN, NBATV |
The 2019 WNBA season was the 23rd season for the Los Angeles Sparks of the Women's National Basketball Association.
During the off-season, head coach Brian Agler resigned and accepted the head coach position with the Dallas Wings.[1] On December 5, former NBA player Derek Fisher was announced as the new head coach.[2]
The Sparks started the season with a 6-6 record in the first two months. Their good form continued into August, with the team going 8–4 and putting together a five game win streak. The turn around game mostly at home, with the Sparks posting a 9–0 home record during July and August. The team finished out the season with three straight wins at home. Their 22–12 overall record, secured them the third seed in the playoffs.
After earning a bye in the first round, the Sparks easily defeated the Seattle Storm at home, 92–69. This set up a semifinal matchup with the Connecticut Sun. The Sparks lost the first two road games in the series, and couldn't win the third game at home. The Sun swept the Sparks to end their season.
After the 2019 season, Penny Toler was dismissed as general manager. Her dismissal came among rumors that she entered the locker room after a playoff game and gave a "obscenity-laced speech that also included several racial epithets".[3][4]
- ^ Voepele, Mechelle (November 30, 2018). "Brian Agler resigns as Sparks coach". espn.com. ESPN. Retrieved December 6, 2018.
- ^ Ballow, Jonah (December 5, 2018). "Sparks Hire Derek Fisher As Head Coach". WNBA.com. Retrieved June 10, 2018.
- ^ "Los Angeles Sparks GM Penny Toler Relieved Of Duties" (Press release). WNBA. October 4, 2019. Retrieved October 4, 2019.
- ^ Shelburne, Ramona (October 3, 2019). "Racial epithets, a star benched and a coach questioned: Inside the L.A. Sparks' chaotic finish". espn.com. ESPN. Retrieved October 7, 2019.