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Chiney and Nenka Ogwumike ruin return of Britney Griner as Los Angeles Sparks beat Phoenix Mercury in WNBA opener.
Early on Saturday, May 20, 2023, in the WNBA season opener for both clubs, the Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Phoenix Mercury 94–71.
Brittney Griner, a standout for the Mercury, scored a team-high 18 points in her first WNBA game back after missing the whole previous campaign while held in a Russian jail on drug-related charges.
Zia Cooke, a rookie first-round pick, started a 35-point second quarter that gave the Sparks control and a 13-point advantage at the break.
In the third quarter, Los Angeles increased the lead to 25 points to seize control of the contest.
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For Phoenix, Moriah Jefferson scored 16 points, Diana Taurasi scored 15, and Sug Sutton scored 10.
In 25 minutes, Griner recorded four blocks and six rebounds. The Sparks turned the ball over just seven times compared to the Mercury's 22 turnovers.
Karlie Samuelson added 13 points, Lexie Brown and Cooke each scored 14, and Los Angeles dominated easily.
Chiney and Nneka Ogwumike lead LA Sparks to victory
Nigerian-American WNBA All-Stars Chiney and Nneka Ogwumike were the leading forces for the LA Sparks' victory against the Phoenix Mercury.
Prior to the tip-off between the Mercury and Sparks, Nneka Oguwmike welcomed back the star Center while wearing her jersey and paid respect to Griner.
Nneka Ogwumike contributed 17 points, four rebounds, three assists, one block, and three steals.
In 28 minutes of action, she made six of 13 shots and was a perfect five from the free throw line.
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Younger sister Chiney Ogwumike who returned to the Sparks this off-season contributed 15 points seven rebounds, one assist, and one steal.
In 25 minutes of action, she made six of her 12 shots one of three from three-point range and a perfect two from the free throw line.
The Ogwumike sisters return to action when the LA Sparks travel to take on the Las Vegas Aces in their next fixture scheduled for May 26, 2023.
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