Parker stands out in first exhibition, Sparks cruise to win

ATLANTA -- Candace Parker and Lisa Leslie gave the WNBA its first glimpse of just how dangerous the Los Angeles Sparks could be this season.

Parker, the league's No. 1 pick, had 14 points, eight rebounds and eight assists in Los Angeles' 86-80 exhibition victory over the expansion Atlanta Dream on Saturday night.

Leslie played her first game since missing all of 2007 on maternity leave, but the three-time league MVP still finished with 18 points and seven rebounds.

After leading Tennessee to a second straight NCAA title last month, Parker is eager to help the Sparks win their third championship under coach Michael Cooper.

"I pulled Coop aside and said, 'Man, I love having someone to run the floor with me," Parker said as she smiled at Leslie. "It's like, 'Pick your poison.' I mean if you stop the layup, I'm going to hit her, and she's going to make a move, cut back or whatever. I was on the floor and just had pinch myself, honestly."

Cooper, whose team led 70-49 at the end of the third quarter, pulled Parker out of the game with three minutes left in the period. Leslie was already resting on the bench, her night finished after less than 20 minutes.

"Tonight I was in ecstasy," said Cooper, a five-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers. "It was truly a pleasure to watch these ladies play."

Carla Thomas and Tamera Young each scored 15 points to lead the Dream, who were outscored 18-6 on the fast break and 38-18 in the paint.

An announced crowd of 7,932 watched at Philips Arena, which hosted the Atlanta Hawks' Game 6 playoff win over Boston the night before.

It wasn't the first time Thomas tried to defend Parker. At Vanderbilt, Thomas faced Parker and the Lady Volunteers many times.

"She showed what she's capable of doing," Thomas said. "She can hurt you in so many ways on the floor."

Parker's problematic left shoulder was iced after the game, a customary procedure after getting injured in the NCAA tournament. She wasn't concerned about irritating the shoulder after missing a fastbreak dunk early in the third.

"I was not warm, so I probably should've just laid it up," Parker said. "Lisa made a little behind-the-head pass, so something came out of it."