C.P. IN SLO-MO!

Here is a slo-mo flashback to Candace Parker's MVP performance in the WNBA All-Star game.

C.P. dunked in pre-game warmups and then went out and scored an all-star game record 23 points. She also chipped in 11 boards in the West's 102-98 win. This is a great video and there are lots more terrific items to see at wnba.com
http://www.wnba.com/video/wnba/2013/07/30/phantombestofcandaceparkerallsta-2554457

**

A GLORIOUS ALL-STAR BIRTHDAY SURPRISE!

Here is something you didn't see on ABC's coverage of the WNBA All-Star game. In the West's post- game locker room, Britney Griner surprised Tulsa's Glory Johnson with some birthday goodies and a song.

Glory Johnson celebrated her 23rd birthday, on Sunday, by dunking in pre-game warmups and playing nine minutes in the West's All-Star victory. She and the Shock will get back to  WNBA action Friday when they host the L.A. Sparks at the BOK Center.

**

SPARKLING ALL-STAR PERFORMANCES BY THE "L.A. TRIO"!!!!

You probably could have won some money from your buddies if you bet them that Candace Parker had never played in a WNBA All-Star game until Saturday's tilt in Connecticut. C.P. is in her 6th pro season, but because of injuries, maternity, or Olympic activity, she had never played the in league's stellar event. Saturday, she made up for lost time and set a WNBA All-Star Game record with 23 points (old record was 22 points set by Swin Cash) pulled down 11 rebounds, and walked away with MVP honors.

Candace called it a "lot of fun and a great experience", but she also missed most of a family experience back in Los Angeles this weekend. When the Sparks 2013 schedule came out, there was nothing to indicate that the All-Star Game was to be played on July 27th. It simply showed several "off days" following the Sparks v Seattle game on July 24th, so C.P. and her husband, Sheldon Williams, figured it would be a perfect time to hold the Williams' family reunion. By the time they figured out that it was the same weekend as the All-Star Game, plans were too far along and retreat was not an option.

 Kristi Toliver and Nneka Ogwumike performed well for the West All-Stars. Kristi's sister, Carli, was in CT. for the game and so was N.O.'s dad. They got to see the Spark's trio kick the West into gear in the second half as they were on the floor together for the team's surge to success. Kristi was in the running for MVP honors. She scored 21 points in 22 minutes and knocked down 3 of 6- three point attempts.

Kristi:"I wasn’t paying much attention to that, but Candace made big plays at the end of the game. It was well deserved. If the MVP was going to go to anybody besides me, I would obviously want it to go to one of my teammates. I am very happy for her."

Nneka put up 6 points and 4 boards in her first All-Star appearance. Afterwards, N.O. talked with me about the experience.

Nneka: "It was real exciting. I had a lot of fun out there. Glad we were able to get the win and obviously represent the MVP in the West with the Sparks. It was just a really good time being able to celebrate different things like the success of the league and  celebrating a legend like Tina Thompson. It was just great to be out there."

I will more from the WNBA's All-Star Weekend, including a Glorious All-Star birthday surprise in my next blog.

**

THE $100 SHOT & MORE DANCING ALL-STARS!!

The WNBA All-Star Game tips off at 3:30pm(et)  12:30pm(pt) on ESPN. CT's Tina Charles will start for the East in place of top vote -getter, Elena Della Donne. The super rook suffered a concussion in Chicago's last game.

East head coach, Lin Dunn, put up $100 (her own per diem money) to the first All- Star who could hit a half court shot in Friday's practice session. Washington's Ivory Latta knocked one down and took away a crisp $100 bill.

Phoenix center, Britney Griner, did not practice because of her knee injury, but she did shoot a bit and she was a big hit with the fans, especially one young girl in a red jersey. Check out her reactions!

There seems to be a dancing theme to this year's All-Star Weekend in CT. The West squad was obviously feeling it.

Congratulations to Glory Johnson who is celebrating her birthday and her first WNBA All-Star Game today. Also, a big "happy B-day" to former L.A. Spark, Mwade Mabika, who turns 37 today!!

I am off to the Mohegan Sun Arena for today's festivities and I'll have lots more from the 2013 WNBA All-Star Game later today on this same blog channel.

**

"DANCING WITH THE ALL-STARS!!"

It was a busy Friday at the WNBA All- Star weekend. After Thursday's loss to Seattle, L.A. Sparks' stars, Candace Parker, Kristi Toliver and Nneka Ogwumike took a red-eye flight that hopped from LAX to Cincinnati to Hartford and got them to Connecticut early Friday morning. It was a tiring trip, but the Sparks' stellar trio was all smiles when I caught up with them as the West squad went through it's practice session at the Mohegan Sun Arena.

Minnesota's Cheryl Reeve will coach the West squad in Saturday's All-Star game. During shooting drills, Friday, she jokingly told the crowd "I hope Toliver gets all her "Makes" out this weekend, so she has nothing left for the rest of the season."  I think she said it jokingly...

Minnesota's Rebekkah Brunson was chosen to replace Britney Griner in the West's starting lineup. I was hoping Tina Thompson would get the nod in her final WNBA All-Star appearance. Instead, the Lynx will have four starters in the game (Brunson, Augustus, Moore & Whalen) alongside of Candace Parker.

Griner is still bothered by a strained left knee which has kept her out of action for the Phoenix Mercury. The big rookie told me she hopes to be back in action soon and she showed off some moves at the WNBA's All-Star reception on Friday night.

Speaking of "moves", WNBA President, Laurel Richie, busted some at the Friday night event. If you can find the video, it is "Must See T.V." Maybe NBA Commissioner, David Stern, will  break out his dancing shoes before he dribbles off into retirement...

I had a great time at the reception chatting with Dee Kantner, the WNBA's Supervisor of Officials, and the crew that will referee Saturday's All-Star game (Tony Dawkins, Amy Bonner, & Lamont "cam man" Simpson who will wear the "ref cam" for ESPN's coverage of the game.

I will have more "blog" for you from the WNBA All-Star weekend, so stay tuned!!!

**

NOT SO STELLAR STOP BEFORE THE ALL-STAR BREAK!!

A very disappointing loss for the Sparks today! They head to the All-Star break with another loss at home. The final was 73-66 at Staples Center. The Sparks got off to a very sluggish start against Seattle. Tina Thompson was red hot (23pts/ 8reb) in her final regular season game in her home town, and the Sparks were force-fed a Storm sandwich that they will be tasting through the All-Star break and for a full week before they get back to work with the biggest road trip of the season.

Meanwhile, Candace Parker, Kristi Toliver and Nneka Ogwumike will be heading to Connecticut for Saturday's All-Star game. I will be there too and I will file reports over the weekend. I talked with each of the Sparks' all-stars and got their thoughts on being picked a part of the WNBA's stellar event.

CP- "I think it will be a lot of fun. I am excited that the Sparks are well represented. It is very telling of how hard we've worked and how we are growing as a team. I am very excited to be going with my teammates. Now it is just about having fun, but in the end, the west wants to come out on top."

LB note: CP has been an All-Star before, but because of injuries, has never played in a WNBA All-Star game. 

Kristi-" I am very humbled and very excited to represent this team with two of my teammates. It has been a goal to be an All-Star in this league, so it is an honor and a privilege and I am really excited to get there."

N.O.- "I was honestly surprised! Being an all-star is amazing and to get it in my sophomore season if a blessing. I am really thankful."

My next blog add will be from the WNBA All-Star weekend. 

If you like what you see, tell your friends about Larry B's Blog. 

If you are not impressed, let's just keep this our little secret! LOL

Either way, I'm gonna keep on bloggin...

** 

Hey, it looks like NBA-TV will be picking up Thursday's Sparks v Storm WNBA game.
 It is a 12:30(pt) start and I'll be calling the action on Time Warner Cable Sports Net. 
 This will be the Sparks' last game before the All-Star break, but look for lots more here on the Sparks' All-Stars and the WNBA's All-Star Weekend!

PART II  of my chat with TINA THOMPSON

Thursday at Staples Center, Tina Thompson will play her last regular season WNBA game in Los Angeles as her retirement tour continues. The L.A. native says it will be an emotional game for her, but not as emotional as it would have been if the Sparks were still playing at the Forum in Inglewood.

TT: "I grew up as an 80's big time Lakers fan. It’s one of my most prized moments in basketball, period. It’s kind of where I found my love for the game. I was just so intrigued and saw that style of play and the battles that they fought and the success they had as a team. It was an unbelievable moment for me the first time I was able to play in the Forum that had so much history, and my basketball career in general was attached to that history, and its one of the big reasons why I played and I had the passion for the game that I did. Because of my age and the time that I grew up, I guess I don’t have the same emotional connection to the Staples Center as I would have playing in the Forum, but anytime you’re going to play somewhere for the last time, I’ve already played 5 last-time games now, and there’s just that certain emotion that you have, but I don’t think it will be one that’s overwhelming because the decision that I’m making right now is one that was very thought out, it wasn’t something that was just a fly-by-night type of decision, so I’m very comfortable with where I am right now with my career and the decisions that I’ve made. I look forward to these moments, they’re going to be happy moments rather than sad ones.” 

Which players had the greatest impact on Tina and her basketball career?

TT: “ Magic Johnson, he’s my favorite player of all-time, and one of my favorite people, and from the WNBA I would have to say Cynthia Cooper, I started with Cynthia in Houston my first year, and her dedication was something that I noticed very early. At the time she was about 12 years older than I was, but her commitment to the game and her individual work ethic was something that stood out for me right away. She played so hard and I didn’t want to be outdone by her, but  I did want to have that same professional approach to the game that Cynthia had. She had an extreme impact on my game and how I approach the game. And Cheryl Miller, I grew up in Southern California, and when you think about women’s basketball and greatness, Cheryl Miller was the first name that came to mind for me, so I would definitely say that Cheryl and Cynthia have had a big impact on me and how I approach the game.”

What highlights stand out in Tina Thompson's mind when she looks back at her incredible career?

TT: “The one that probably brings the most emotion is our 3^rd championship in Houston. We dedicated that to our teammate Kim Perrot. (the Comets' point guard who was fighting, and eventually succumbed to cancer) It was an overly tough season for us, physically, emotionally! We just had so much going on and Kim was such a big part of our team and who we were, so her not being able to be there and what she was going through, it was very overwhelming emotionally, so I’m probably most proud of that season because we were pushed to our limits and we didn’t fold, and we dedicated that season to her. So my proudest moment in the WNBA was that season.”

What will Tina do after she retires? The WNBA's all -time leading scorer says coaching is definitely NOT in her plans right now, but spending time with her son, Dyllan. 

TT: “Initially, I’m not going to do anything. I’m really looking forward to doing nothing and just spending a whole lot of time with my son in a different way. Of course he’s with me all the time, but most of the things that we do have been based around my schedule. Now the tables will turn and most of the things we do will be based around him and I’m really looking forward to that. He’s at a stage in his life where he’s just more interested in things and a lot more active. So I’m looking forward to kind of giving him free reign to do all the things that he wants to do and being supportive of that. As I’ve been in the WNBA, I’m going to eventually have to have a job, so I’m looking towards getting into commentary and getting on TV and being an analyst or something like that, but in the meantime I’m not going to do much of anything.”

Doing nothing may prove difficult for someone who has don so much for women's basketball. It has been a real pleasure covering Tina during her WNBA career. She is a class act and a true talent. 

I wish her the very best in whatever she pursues.

**

Tina Thompson will be playing her final regular season game at Staples Center, Thursday, when the Seattle Storm comes to Los Angeles for a 12:30 (pt) game with the L.A. Sparks. I got a chance to talk with Tina this week as part of my preparation for calling that game on Time Warner Cable SportsNet.
Way back in 1997, Tina was the first "ever" pick in the WNBA. She signed with the Houston Comets and now, seventeen years later, she will be retiring as the last remaining player from that inaugural season and as the WNBA's all-time leading scorer.

Tina Thompson

"I never expected to keep playing this long in the WNBA. My initial goal was to come in and play a few years and save a little money so that I wouldn’t have any student loans and I would be able to pay for law school, and kind of go on to the career that I started out initially. And here I am 17 years later, being the only person from the original season, so it’s been a great ride.”

LB: Tina won four WNBA championships with the Comets and several were at the expense of the Sparks. Man, they had some great battles over the years and Tina and Lisa Leslie always seemed to be right in the thick of the action.

TT: “They were pretty intense. But considering the roster and the players that they had on their team, we wouldn’t have expected anything different than that. I think that the reason why the intensity was so high was that Lisa and I played against each other and we approached the game in the same way.  We were both confident professionals and unbelievable competitors. We kind of had the same expectations from the personality perspective or a mental game perspective. So knowing that I’m not going to expect her to play less than her best and she knowing the same thing about me, theres a battle to be had, and its something that I looked forward to and I know that she looked forward to as well, it’s just who we are, and I respect it.”

 

LB: Ironically, when the Comets' franchise folded, Tina signed a free agent deal to join Lisa and the Sparks in 2009. It was a homecoming for the former Morningside High School and USC star.

TT: "That was just a blessing to be able to come back home. I think being able to come back home was really like coming full circle for me. I grew up in Los Angeles, so being able to come home and play in front of my family friends meant so much. They had seen me early in my basketball career so they really enjoyed that. I would also have to say playing with Lisa, at any point, to know that we had such a great chemistry playing in college and USA basketball, being able to play with her in her final season was a highlight as well. Of course it didn’t go the way we intended or wanted it to go, but the opportunity itself was great.”

What was the highlight of Tina Thomspon's  WNBA career?

Which players had the biggest impact on her game? 

Find out in my next blog here on larrybmedia.com

**

This was the breathtaking view from the plane, on Sunday, as we outran a lightning storm and jetted from Phoenix back to 

Los Angeles.

Thanks to my daughter's, Katie & Jenna, the site got a fresh coat of paint & the blog is back. I'll be sharing my opinions and insights, posting pics and videos, and taking you on occasional trips to "Larry B's Memory Bank" for some great items, articles, and products from way back when! I will also be looking forward to your comments and questions.

Right out of the gate, a big "THANK YOU" to all the L.A. Sparks fans who bussed to Phoenix last weekend and cheered the team to a big win over the Mercury. It was great to see all of you at U.S. Airways Center. Thanks for the great reception and thanks for being true Sparks' fans!!!
I hope to see you Wednesday night when the Atlanta Dream comes to Staples Center for a 7:30 game.