Tierra Ruffin-Pratt has made it her duty to be an advocate for change within her community <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" role="link" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SayHerName?src=hashtag_click" data-focusable="true">#SayHerName</a> <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" role="link" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SeeMe?src=hashtag_click" data-focusable="true">#SeeMe</a> <a class="css-4rbku5 css-18t94o4 css-901oao css-16my406 r-1n1174f r-1loqt21 r-1qd0xha r-ad9z0x r-bcqeeo r-qvutc0" role="link" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ShareBlackStories?src=hashtag_click" data-focusable="true">#ShareBlackStories</a>

social-justice-council-tierra-ruffin-pratt

Social Justice Council: Tierra Ruffin-Pratt

“Athletes really do have the power to change the world.” &#8211; Layshia Clarendon
The 2020 WNBA season has been about so much more.

social-justice-council-layshia-clarendon

Social Justice Council: Layshia Clarendon

<figure class="wp-image size-full">
					<img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/09/cover-sparks-scaled.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image- size-full"/> 
				</figure>
BRADENTON, Fla. (AP) Candace Parker scored 24 points with 15 rebounds and Chelsea Gray added 20 with seven assists to help Los Angeles beat Chicago 86-80 on Sunday night.
The Sparks (14-5) are a half-game behind Las Vegas for the second spot in the standings. The two teams meet on Saturday.
Chicago jumped out with a 30-point opening stanza and led by eight after one. Los Angeles tightened its defense from there and largely seized control. The Sky (11-9) managed just 10 points in the fourth quarter.
Back-to-back 3-pointers by Parker and Tierra Ruffin-Pratt, and a tip-in by Gray constituted an 8-0 run for a 69-65 lead late in the third quarter and Los Angeles led the rest of the way.
Brittney Sykes scored 11 for the Sparks before getting hurt in the third quarter. She didn&#8217;t return. Sydney Wiese injured her ankle in the first quarter and also didn&#8217;t return. The Sparks did welcome back Nneka Ogwumike after having missed the three games prior due to back issues. She scored nine points and grabbed four rebounds in 29 minutes .
Cheyenne Parker led Chicago with 24 points and 10 rebounds, Allie Quigley scored 22, Kahleah Copper 14 and Courtney Vandersloot distributed 15 assists against just two turnovers.

parkers-double-double-carries-los-angeles-past-chicago

Parker's Double-Double Carries Los Angeles Past Chicago

Jewell Lloyd was the hero for the Storm draining a 3-pointer at the buzzer to send Seattle home with a 90-89 victory over the Sparks. Breanna Stewart had 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 9 assists in the Storm win.

game-recap-storm-90-sparks-89

GAME RECAP: Storm 90, Sparks 89

Candace Parker&#8217;s double-double 22 points, 10 rebounds lead the LA Sparks to a 91-83 victory over the Dallas Wings.

game-recap-sparks-91-wings-83

GAME RECAP: Sparks 91, Wings 83

Candice Parker finished with 16 points and 6 rebounds as the Sparks defeated the Liberty 93-78. Jazmine Jones had 24 points for the Liberty in the loss.

game-recap-sparks-93-liberty-78

GAME RECAP: Sparks 93, Liberty 78

Candace Parker and Chelsea Gray&#8217;s combined 34 points, leads the LA Sparks to an 86 to 75 victory over the Indiana Fever.

game-recap-sparks-86-fever-75

GAME RECAP: Sparks 86, Fever 75

<figure class="wp-image size-full">
					<img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/07/parker-sparks-1440-200715.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image- size-full"/> 
				</figure>
The 2020 WNBA season is set to be the most unique in the league’s 24-year history. Teams have arrived at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, FL to begin training camp for a 22-game season with all games played at a single site without fans due to the coronavirus pandemic. The bubble is ready and the season is set to tip off on Saturday, July 25. In the lead up to the season, <a href="https://www.wnba.com/2020-team-by-team-season-previews/">WNBA.com will break down each team in the league</a>, continuing with the Los Angeles Sparks.
<h3>2019 Season Recap</h3>
<ul>
<li>22-12, 1st in West, 3rd in League</li>
<li>Eliminated in playoff semifinals by Connecticut (3-0)</li>
</ul>
<h3>Off-Season Moves</h3>
<ul>
<li>Draft: No. 20 Beatrice Mompreimer, who has been waived; No. 22 Leonie Fiebich, who will not play in the WNBA this season; No. 34 Tynice Martin, who has been waived</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Trades: Acquired Kristine Anigwe and a 2021 third round pick from Dallas and sent back the 2021 second round pick LA received from Dallas in exchange for Marina Mabrey in a previous transaction; Acquired Brittney Sykes and Marie Gülich from Atlanta in exchange for Kalani Brown</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Players Added: Signed Kristi Toliver, Seimone Augustus, Reshanda Gray and Te&#8217;a Cooper as free agents</li>
</ul>
<div id="attachment_126966" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-126966" class="wp-image-126966 size-large" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/07/GettyImages-1227122881-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
BRADENTON &#8211; JULY 13: Te&#8217;a Cooper #4 of the Los Angeles Sparks smiles during practice on July 13, 2020 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
</div>
<ul>
<li>Players Lost: Alana Beard retired; Alexis Jones waived; Chiney Ogwumike, Kristi Toliver and Maria Vadeeva have opted out of the 2020 WNBA season</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Returning Players: Nneka Ogwumike, Candace Parker, Riquna Williams still under Te&#8217;aOcontract; Re-signed Chelsea Gray, Tierra Ruffin-Pratt, Sydney Wiese; Exercised Team Option for Maria Vadeeva</li>
</ul>
<h3>Who&#8217;s at IMG Academy</h3>
Between free agency, trades, the draft and players choosing not to participate in the season due to health concerns, the teams that take the court in 2020 may look a lot different than they did in 2019. Here’s a look at some of the key players that will represent the Sparks in 2020.
Candace Parker
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats: 22 GP, 26.0 MPG, 11.2 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 42.2 FG%, 26.7 3P%</li>
<li>Parker missed a dozen games last season due to injury and averaged career lows nearly across the board, with her scoring average (11.2 PPG) well below her career average of 17.0. The two-time league MVP must be healthy for the Sparks to stay in championship contention.</li>
</ul>
Nneka Ogwumike 
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats: 32 GP, 27.9 MPG, 16.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG. 51.0 FG%, 33.8 3P%</li>
<li>Ogwumike earned All-WNBA Second Team honors in 2019 as she ranked ninth in the league in scoring, fourth in rebounding and fifth in steals. She followed that up with another strong effort as president of the player’s association and the <a href="https://www.wnba.com/news/wnba-and-wnbpa-reach-tentative-agreement-on-groundbreaking-eight-year-collective-bargaining-agreement/">new collective bargaining agreement</a> with the league.</li>
</ul>
Chelsea Gray
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats: 34 GP, 32.6 MPG, 14.5 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.0 SPG, 41.6 FG%, 38.2 3P%</li>
<li>Gray earned her first All-WNBA First Team honor in 2019 as she ranked second in the league in assists and tied for 13th in scoring. The Point Gawd strikes a great balance of setting up her teammates and calling her own shot – <a href="https://go.nba.com/khs1">particularly in clutch situations</a>.</li>
</ul>
Seimone Augustus
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats (Lynx): 12 GP, 13.0 MPG, 3.8 PPG, 0.6 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.4 SPG, 31.3 FG%, 16.7 3P%</li>
<li>Seeing Seimone Augustus in anything other than a Lynx jersey is going to take some getting used to. The 14-year veteran is the 11th leading scorer in WNBA history (5,881 points) and while 2019 was a difficult year due to injury, a healthy Augustus adds depth and championship experience to the roster.</li>
</ul>
<div id="attachment_126967" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-126967" class="wp-image-126967 size-large" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/07/GettyImages-1227122863-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
BRADENTON &#8211; JULY 13: Seimone Augustus #33 of the Los Angeles Sparks handles the ball during practice on July 13, 2020 at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida.
</div>
Riquna Williams
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats: 23 GP, 25.8 MPG, 12.3 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 2.3 3PM, 38.4 FG%, 39.1 3P%</li>
<li>Williams had her most productive season since joining the Sparks in 2017 as she finished third on the team in scoring and second in the league in 3-pointers made per game (2.3) and <a href="https://go.nba.com/mx5a">eighth in 3-point percentage</a>(39.1%).</li>
</ul>
Brittney Sykes
<ul>
<li>2019 Stats (Dream): 34 GP, 25.9 MPG, 10.2 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 36.5 FG%, 25.9 3P%</li>
<li>Sykes joins the Sparks after spending the first three seasons of her career with the Atlanta Dream. She brings athleticism and a defensive mindset that should help the Sparks fill the void left by two-time Defensive Player of the Year Alana Beard, who retired after the 2019 season.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Three Questions</h3>
1. Will L.A.’s experienced core carry them in the shortened season?
While many teams across the WNBA are adding significant new pieces to their roster, the core of the Sparks squad is essentially intact from a season ago, led by the trio of Parker, Nneka Ogwumike and Gray. This will also be the second season under head coach Derek Fisher as he now as a full season of WNBA experience under his belt heading into 2020. Developing chemistry quickly is important, particularly in a shortened season, and the Sparks may have a leg up on the competition with so many returning pieces.
2. Can the Sparks overcome the absences of Chiney Ogwumike and Toliver?
There are two key members of the Sparks that have elected not to play in 2020 – Chiney Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver. Ogwumike reunited with her older sister Nneka in 2019 when she joined the Sparks after spending the first five years of her career in Connecticut. After missing two full seasons due to injuries (knee and Achilles), Ogwumike and Sparks decided to err on the side of caution with the compacted schedule.
Toliver signed as a free agent to return to the Sparks after spending the past three seasons in Washington, where she helped the Mystics win their first WNBA title in 2019. She was set to return to L.A. – where she helped the Sparks win the 2016 title – but that reunion will have to wait until 2021. The Sparks are still loaded with talent, but the fact is they will not have a pair of All-Stars on their roster this year. While that does open the door for others to step up, it could hurt their overall depth.
3. Will depth become an issue if the injury bug hits?
Health is paramount for all teams that hope to contend for the championship in any season. That importance is heightened in such a unique season as 2020 will be with only a 22-game schedule to earn a playoff berth and position.
Both Parker and Augustus missed double-digit games last season due to injury – a repeat of that could be devastating to L.A.’s championship aspirations. How ready are young players such as Kristine Anigwe, Marie Gülich, Reshanda Gray and Te’a Cooper to play major minutes if needed? One or more of those less-established players may need to have a breakout season for the Sparks to compete for the title this season.

2020-wnba-team-preview-los-angeles-sparks

2020 WNBA Team Preview: Los Angeles Sparks

<figure class="wp-image size-full">
					<img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2019/10/Sun-Cover-RECAP.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image- size-full" /> 
				</figure>
It’s a new decade in the WNBA.
A <a href="https://www.wnba.com/news/wnba-and-wnbpa-reach-tentative-agreement-on-groundbreaking-eight-year-collective-bargaining-agreement/">new collective bargaining agreement</a> led to a new salary cap, which leads to many new scenarios for the league’s 12 teams as they prepare for the 2020 season. Let’s take a team-by-team look at the decision points that will make for a compelling couple of weeks. Teams began negotiating with players on January 28, but no contracts can officially be signed until February 10.
<h3>Atlanta:</h3>
The biggest story for the Dream during free agency will be what appears, right now, to be an amicable break-up with Angel McCoughtry, the player that has most defined this franchise. McCoughtry will be testing the free agent market for the first time in her WNBA career, which began in 2009, and where she lands could be one of the most interesting stories of the offseason. The 33-year-old, who has twice been the WNBA scoring champion, has missed two of the last three WNBA seasons.
<h3>Chicago:</h3>
The Sky, under now second-year head coach James Wade, have a lot of work to do and a lot of decisions to make with seven players hitting free agency this season, including the veteran backcourt duo of Courtney Vandersloot and Allie Quigley, who are both unrestricted free agents. Center Stefanie Dolson (unrestricted) is unsigned, along with Jamierra Faulkner (restricted), Kayla Alexander (unrestricted), Kahleah Copper (restricted) and Astou Ndour (restricted). Dolson will be the biggest decision of the group, considering that experienced posts in the WNBA are coveted.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-122330" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2019/12/GettyImages-1160492299-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
<h3>Connecticut:</h3>
The Sun undoubtedly believe they can make a run at the Finals again in 2020. But in order to do it, they are likely looking to lock up a majority of their 2019 roster. Veterans Layshia Clarendon and Shekinna Stricklen are both unrestricted free agents. Then there’s the group of restricted free agents, which includes Jonquel Jones, Courtney Williams, Morgan Tuck, Rachel Banham and Bria Holmes. Keeping this core group together, which has helped the Sun turn into one of the WNBA’s elite teams over the past three seasons, is going to be much harder heading into a new season.
<h3>Dallas:</h3>
It appears that Skylar Diggins-Smith may not be playing for the Dallas Wings when the 2020 season tips off. Diggins-Smith, despite being “cored” by the Wings after missing last season following the birth of her son, would like an opportunity to start fresh somewhere else. Giving Diggins-Smith the “core” designation gives Dallas the opportunity to make a sign-and-trade deal that would help the Wings build in a different direction, something that <a href="https://apnews.com/559739d64c2075fea2c6565c969813c8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dallas Wings President and CEO Greg Bibb told the AP is an option</a>. In addition, it would allow Dallas to focus their backcourt efforts on rising star Arike Ogunbowale, who had a fantastic rookie season while Diggins-Smith sat out on maternity leave. Not only do the Wings need to find a replacement for Diggins-Smith, they would likely want to re-sign forward Glory Johnson, who will be the foundation of their inside game.
<h3>Indiana:</h3>
New head coach Marianne Stanley and GM Tamika Catchings want to end a run of four seasons in which the Fever have failed to finish with a winning record. Stanley and Catchings have a stockpile of young talent that leaves them with a full roster, therefore little room for player movement, and the No. 3 pick in April’s draft. Guard Tiffany Mitchell is a restricted free agent and the most prominent player that isn’t under contract to start the season.
<h3>Las Vegas:</h3>
Bringing Liz Cambage back to Sin City is Bill Laimbeer’s No. 1 priority. Cambage is a restricted free agent, which means the Aces can match any offer and it’s hard to imagine that they won’t considering the impact she made for them last season alongside A’ja Wilson. With only half of its roster signed, the Aces might have a chance to make a free-agent splash and add depth inside and out. Another key free agent is Tamera Young, who was a versatile key to the Aces’ playoff run last year.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-113276" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2019/07/GettyImages-1155506824-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
<h3>Los Angeles:</h3>
The retirement of Alana Beard means that the Sparks need to replace a stalwart defender and on-court leader. But the top priority is securing the services of restricted free agent and three-time All-Star Chelsea Gray. Gray has reportedly already received an offer from the Sparks so expect little drama there. Among the players who contributed big to the Sparks last season, Tierra Ruffin-Pratt is in the best position to replace the defensive presence of Beard on the floor. The Sparks are considered a potential destination for Diggins-Smith.
<h3>Minnesota:</h3>
Before free agency began, the Lynx <a href="https://lynx.wnba.com/news/statement-from-lynx-head-coach-and-general-manager-cheryl-reeve-on-maya-moore/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">learned that Maya Moore will sit out a second straight season</a>. On the bright side, Sylvia Fowles is signed, as is 2019 Rookie of the Year Napheesa Collier. Seimone Augustus is an unrestricted free agent and she indicated last season that the 2020 season would be her last as a professional basketball player. It’s hard to imagine her finishing her career anywhere other than Minnesota. Guard Danielle Robinson, the Lynx’s most dependable ball distributor last year, is also an unrestricted free agent.
<h3>New York:</h3>
The Liberty, under new head coach Walt Hopkins, have cored seven-time All-Star Tina Charles, who will be waiting patiently to find out who New York will pick with the No. 1 WNBA draft pick in April. New York has six players under contract for the season, including Asia Durr, last year&#8217;s No. 2 pick, and Kia Nurse, who is emerging as a star. The Liberty, however, have decisions to make about guard and unrestricted free agent Bria Hartley.
<h3>Phoenix:</h3>
After coring Brittney Griner for the first time in her career, the Mercury now turn their attention to the major matter of signing DeWanna Bonner, who is an unrestricted free agent and has already been cored the maximum four times in her 10-year career with the Mercury. Bonner moving on at least feels like a possibility, but Diana Taurasi’s health may have a lot to do with that decision. The Mercury, who were the oldest team in the WNBA last year, also need to make decisions about Essence Carson, who brought valuable versatility to the floor last season, and point guard Leilani Mitchell, who filled in for Diana Taurasi last season. Phoenix could also be in the running for a chance to trade for Diggins-Smith, who would complement Diana Taurasi in the backcourt.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-123750" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/02/GettyImages-1162022520-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" />
<h3>Seattle:</h3>
Last season, the Storm missed two key players; Breanna Stewart due to an Achilles injury and Sue Bird due to knee surgery. The Storm have exclusive negotiating rights to Stewart while Bird is an unrestricted free agent. Bird, who will turn 40 in the fall, has settled into a life in Seattle with girlfriend Megan Rapinoe. It&#8217;s hard to imagine that Bird plays out the end of her career anywhere other than the Emerald City, particularly with Stewart back on the floor. The Storm also have decisions to make about veterans Courtney Paris and Shavonte Zellous, who played key roles in the Storm’s injury-plagued 2019 season.
<h3>Washington:</h3>
Mystics head coach Mike Thibault confirmed that the team has a verbal agreement to re-sign both Elena Delle Donne and Emma Meesseman, who are unrestricted free agents. Delle Donne, the 2019 MVP, <a href="https://mystics.wnba.com/news/mystics-medical-update/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">had a small surgical procedure on her back</a> late in January but is expected to be back in time for the start of the WNBA season. Aerial Powers, who has blossomed so nicely under Thibault, is back with the Mystics in 2020 thanks to an extension. Washington has more work to do assembling its roster a handful of free agents. Guard Kristi Toliver is one of those free agents, and it’s unclear whether they&#8217;ll be able to keep her.
Longtime WNBA reporter Michelle Smith writes columns on WNBA.com throughout the season and offseason. The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the WNBA or its clubs.

inside-the-w-with-michelle-smith-what-to-know-heading-into-free-agency

Inside the W with Michelle Smith: What To Know Heading Into Free Agency

<figure class="wp-image size-full">
					<img decoding="async" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/best-photos-cover.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image- size-full" /> 
				</figure>
			#gallery-164 { 
				margin: auto; 
			} 
			#gallery-164 .gallery-item { 
				float: left; 
				margin-top: 10px; 
				text-align: center; 
				width: 33%; 
			} 
			#gallery-164 img { 
				border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; 
			} 
			#gallery-164 .gallery-caption { 
				margin-left: 0; 
			} 
			/* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */
<div id='gallery-164' class='gallery galleryid-122680 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-large'>
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/connecticut-sun-v-los-angeles-sparks-16/'><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1147206331-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122681" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122681'>
				The Los Angeles Sparks huddle up before a game against the Connecticut Sun.
				</dd>
</dl>
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/new-york-liberty-v-los-angeles-sparks-42/'><img decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1150177526-683x1024.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122716" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122716'>
				Marina Mabrey dribbles up court against the New York Liberty.
				</dd>
</dl>
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/los-angeles-sparks-v-new-york-liberty-15/'><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1148041537-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122683" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122683'>
				Chiney Ogwumike and Nneka Ogwumike of the Los Angeles Sparks talk during a break in game action.
				</dd>
</dl>
 
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/washington-mystics-v-los-angeles-sparks-26/'><img decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1150625152-683x1024.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122684" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122684'>
				Candace Parker warms up prior to her first game back from injury.
				</dd>
</dl>
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/washington-mystics-v-los-angeles-sparks-27/'><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1150824772-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122685" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122685'>
				Head Coach Derek Fisher huddles up with the team during a game against the Washington Mystics.
				</dd>
</dl>
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/chicago-sky-v-los-angeles-sparks-37/'><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1167447009-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122687" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122687'>
				Forward Candace Parker and guard Tierra Ruffin-Pratt celebrate during a game against the Chicago Sky.
				</dd>
</dl>
 
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/los-angeles-sparks-v-chicago-sky-28/'><img decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1162017539-683x1024.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122688" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122688'>
				Chelsea Gray handles the ball against the Chicago Sky.
				</dd>
</dl>
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/los-angeles-sparks-v-chicago-sky-29/'><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1162021428-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122690" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122690'>
				Nneka Ogwumike drives to the basket against the Chicago Sky.
				</dd>
</dl>
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/indiana-fever-v-los-angeles-sparks-29/'><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1163261877-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122691" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122691'>
				Tierra Ruffin-Pratt handles the ball against the Indiana Fever.
				</dd>
</dl>
 
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/chicago-sky-v-los-angeles-sparks-36/'><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1153032364-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122686" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122686'>
				Candace Parker flexes in reaction to a play.
				</dd>
</dl>
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/indiana-fever-v-los-angeles-sparks-30/'><img decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1163261968-683x1024.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122692" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122692'>
				Chiney Ogwumike shoots the ball against the Indiana Fever.
				</dd>
</dl>
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/los-angeles-sparks-v-washington-mystics-26/'><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1164415866-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122693" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122693'>
				Sydney Wiese plays defense against the Washington Mystics.
				</dd>
</dl>
 
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/seattle-storm-v-los-angeles-sparks-85/'><img decoding="async" width="682" height="1024" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1159713195-682x1024.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122714" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122714'>
				Kalani Brown handles the ball against the Seattle Storm.
				</dd>
</dl>
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/los-angeles-sparks-v-las-vegas-aces-14/'><img decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1165312462-683x1024.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122715" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122715'>
				 Maria Vadeeva shoots the ball against the Las Vegas Aces.
				</dd>
</dl>
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/los-angeles-sparks-v-indiana-fever-22/'><img decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1164737254-683x1024.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122694" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122694'>
				Chelsea Gray handles the ball during a game against the Indiana Fever.
				</dd>
</dl>
 
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/atlanta-dream-v-los-angeles-sparks-23/'><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1165920365-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122695" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122695'>
				The Sparks bench reacts to a play.
				</dd>
</dl>
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon portrait'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/seattle-storm-v-los-angeles-sparks-game-one-3/'><img decoding="async" width="683" height="1024" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1174884126-683x1024.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122696" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122696'>
				Riquna Williams goes up for a shot during the second half of Seattle Storm v Los Angeles Sparks &#8211; Game One.
				</dd>
</dl>
<dl class='gallery-item'>
<dt class='gallery-icon landscape'>
				<a href='https://www-qa.nba.com/photo_gallery/best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019/seattle-storm-v-los-angeles-sparks-game-one-4/'><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://cdn.wnba.com/sites/4/2020/01/GettyImages-1169218660-1024x683.jpg" class="attachment-large size-large" alt="" loading="lazy" aria-describedby="gallery-164-122697" /></a>
			</dt>
<dd class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-164-122697'>
				 Chelsea Gray dances after Game 1 of the 2019 WNBA playoffs against the Seattle Storm.
				</dd>
</dl>
 
		</div>

best-of-los-angeles-sparks-2019

Best Of: Los Angeles Sparks (2019)

Latest

Tierra Ruffin-Pratt

Career Highlights:
<ul>
<li>Career-high 23 points against Atlanta on July 23, 2019</li>
<li>Career-high six three-pointers against Atlanta on July 23, 2019</li>
<li>Career-high 12 rebounds against Seattle on June 27, 2017</li>
<li>Hit 800 career rebounds (2020).</li>
<li style="list-style-type: none"></li>
</ul>
Transactions:
<ul>
<li>Undrafted during the 2013 WNBA Draft</li>
<li>Added to the Washington Mystics training camp roster, who then eventually signed her</li>
<li>Signed by the Los Angeles Sparks on February 11, 2019</li>
</ul>
2020 (Los Angeles)
<ul>
<li>Averaged 2.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.</li>
<li>Shot 46.2% from the three-point line.</li>
<li>Finished the season with highs of 10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.</li>
<li style="list-style-type: none"></li>
</ul>
2019 (Los Angeles)
<ul>
<li>Started in 32 of her 33 regular season appearances</li>
<li>Scored a career-high 23 points against Atlanta on July 23, 2019</li>
<li>Career-high six three-pointers against Atlanta on July 23, 2019</li>
<li>Averaged 25.3 minutes, 6.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.8 steals per game</li>
<li>Started in all four playoff appearances</li>
</ul>
2018 (Washington): 
<ul>
<li>Appeared in all 33 games and made 10 starts</li>
<li>Averaged 5.5 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 18.1 minutes per game</li>
<li>Poured in a season-high 16 points and four rebounds in a 103-95 win over Phoenix on May 30</li>
<li>Played in all nine playoff games as a reserve and averaged 5.2 points and 2.2 rebounds</li>
</ul>
2017 (Washington): 
<ul>
<li>Started all 34 games of the season for the first time in her career</li>
<li>Averaged 7.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 24.3 minutes per game</li>
<li>Scored 10 or more points in nine games</li>
<li>Posted two double-doubles, which included a career-high 12 rebounds against Seattle on June 27</li>
<li>Logged a season-high 18 points against Indiana on Aug. 20</li>
<li>Started all five playoff contests and averaged 9.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists shooting 45.7 percent from the field</li>
</ul>
2016 (Washington): 
<ul>
<li>Started all 31 of the 32 games played and averaged 24.4 minutes per game</li>
<li>Averaged 7.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game</li>
<li>Scored 10 or more points in nine games</li>
<li>Registered a season-high 19 points in a 75-62 win over New York on Sept. 13</li>
</ul>
2015 (Washington): 
<ul>
<li>Started in 31 of the 32 games played and averaged 23.9 minutes per game</li>
<li>Averaged 7.4 points, 3.0 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game</li>
<li>Posted 10 or more points in 11 games</li>
<li>Logged a career-high 20 points against Los Angeles on June 23</li>
<li>Turned in a playoff career-high 17 points in Game 3 against New York on Sept. 22</li>
</ul>
2014 (Washington): 
<ul>
<li>Started in six of the 34 games played and averaged 16.2 minutes per game</li>
<li>Averaged 4.5 points and 2.9 rebounds per game</li>
<li>Scored at least 10 points in four games</li>
<li>Logged a season-high 18 points in a win over Los Angeles on July 17</li>
<li>Contributed off the bench in both playoff games</li>
</ul>
2013 (Washington): 
<ul>
<li>Appeared in all 34 games as a reserve, averaging 14.8 minutes per game</li>
<li>Averaged 4.4 points and 2.8 rebounds per game</li>
<li>Played double-digit minutes in all but three games</li>
<li>Registered a season-high 13 points against San Antonio on July 16</li>
<li>Turned in eight-point performances in Games 1 and 2 in the series against Atlanta</li>
</ul>
Overseas:
<ul>
<li>Ramat Hen – Israel (2018-2019)</li>
<li>AZS uniwersytet gdankski – Poland (2020)</li>
</ul>
College:
<ul>
<li>Played all four years at North Carolina</li>
<li>Earned All-ACC First Team honors and a spot on the conference’s All-Tournament Team and All-Region 2 honors for the WBCA All-America Team</li>
<li>Led Tar Heels to the ACC title game and a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament</li>
<li>Scored a career-high 30 points in opening round NCAA Tourney game vs. Albany</li>
<li>Joined teammate Xylina McDaniel as the first Tar Heels to earn First Team honors since future WNBA players Erlana Larkins and LaToya Pringle in 2008</li>
<li>Ranked among ACC leaders in steals (2nd) scoring (4th), assists (7th), and blocks (15th)</li>
<li>Two-time Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year in high school</li>
</ul>
Personal:
<ul>
<li>Full name: Tierra Ruffin-Pratt</li>
<li>Born April 11, 1991 in Alexandria, Virginia</li>
</ul>