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Sparks-Dream Preview

Aug 22, 2009 - 5:03 PM By BRETT HUSTON STATS Writer

Los Angeles (12-13) at Atlanta (14-11), 3:00 p.m. EDT

With a roster featuring the two most prolific scorers in WNBA history and one of the game's brightest young stars, much was expected of the Los Angeles Sparks this season.

After a disappointing first half, Los Angeles finally seems to be putting it together.

The Sparks will try to extend their winning streak to five games Sunday when they visit the surging Atlanta Dream, who have won seven of eight to stake their claim as the league's hottest team.

The addition of Tina Thompson, the WNBA's second all-time leading scorer, to a roster that included reigning MVP Candace Parker and career scoring leader Lisa Leslie had Los Angeles (12-13) pegged as the favorites to win its third championship.

Parker, though, missed the team's first eight games after giving birth in May, and Leslie was sidelined 11 games from June 21-Aug. 1 with a right knee injury as the Sparks stumbled to a 5-10 start.

They're 7-3 thus far in August, however, with a healthy roster. Los Angeles' four-game run has vaulted it into third place in the Western Conference, with a 67-66 overtime win at San Antonio on Friday night lifting it to 3-0 on the road this month.

"I thought it was a very good game," Sparks coach Michael Cooper said. "Everything is on the line now and I'm glad we got the win."

Parker had 17 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks as she and Leslie have led Los Angeles' playoff push. Parker has averaged 14.8 points and 10.3 rebounds during the winning streak, while Leslie has averaged 18.5 points and 7.3 boards.

While the Sparks are surging, the Dream (14-11) may be playing better than anyone.

A two-point loss to Chicago on Aug. 8 is Atlanta's lone blemish since July 22, and perhaps the biggest factor for its outstanding second-half play has been top overall draft pick Angel McCoughtry.

The rookie reserve has averaged 16.9 points off the bench over the Dream's last eight games, and scored a career-high 34 Thursday in a 93-87 win - their third straight - over the Silver Stars.

"She was awesome. She just did a lot of incredible things," Atlanta coach Marynell Meadors said. "I think I could start her, but I really like the energy she brings when we do put her in off the bench."

Atlanta, which is 10-4 at home and 5-1 against the West, won despite not getting a point from leading scorer Chamique Holdsclaw. The seven-time All-Star, who averages 13.9 points, played just eight first-quarter minutes and missed all three shots.

"We just rested her," Meadors said of Holdsclaw, who's averaged 6.8 points in her last four games. "I thought Angel was playing very well and we just left it like it was."

The Sparks and Dream split two meetings last season, with the road team winning both games.