The 2014 Los Angeles Sparks season was the franchise's 18th season in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). The team finished the regular season with a 16–18 record, securing the third seed in the Western Conference playoffs after winning a tiebreaker over the San Antonio Stars. The Sparks were eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals by the Minnesota Lynx, losing the series 2–0.
Regular Season
- Record: 16–18 (.471)
- Conference Standing: 3rd in Western Conference
- Home Record: 10–7
- Road Record: 6–11
- Head Coach: Carol Ross (third season with the team)
The season was significantly impacted by the absence of star forward Candace Parker, who underwent knee surgery in the offseason and missed the first 18 games of the season. She returned in late June but played a limited role initially, appearing in only 16 games total. In Parker's absence, forward Nneka Ogwumike emerged as the team's primary offensive option, earning her first WNBA All-Star selection and averaging 15.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game. Guard Kristi Toliver led the team in scoring (16.9 ppg) and assists (4.1 apg), while veteran Alana Beard anchored the perimeter defense.
The Sparks started the season 3–8 but went 13–10 over the final 23 games to climb into playoff contention. A crucial late-season victory over San Antonio secured the tiebreaker and the third seed.
Playoffs
Western Conference Semifinals vs. (2) Minnesota Lynx
Lynx win series 2–0
- Game 1 (at Minnesota): Lynx 85, Sparks 72
- Game 2 (at Los Angeles): Lynx 79, Sparks 71
The Sparks were outmatched by the eventual Western Conference champion Lynx. Minnesota's depth and defense limited Los Angeles' perimeter shooting, holding the Sparks to under 40% field goal shooting in both games. Nneka Ogwumike led Los Angeles with 19 points and 10 rebounds in Game 2, but the Sparks could not overcome Minnesota's balanced attack led by Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus.
Key Statistics Leaders
| Category | Player | Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | Kristi Toliver | 16.9 |
| Rebounds Per Game | Nneka Ogwumike | 8.8 |
| Assists Per Game | Kristi Toliver | 4.1 |
| Steals Per Game | Alana Beard | 1.8 |
| Blocks Per Game | Candace Parker | 1.5 (in 16 games) |
Transactions and Roster Notes
- April 14, 2014: Signed free agent Alana Beard (formerly of Washington Mystics).
- May 5, 2014: Waived Jenna Smith and Alyssa Thomas (draft rights traded to Connecticut Sun prior to season).
- June 22, 2014: Activated Candace Parker from the injured list.
- The roster featured a core of Parker, Ogwumike, Toliver, Beard, and center Jantel Lavender, supplemented by guards Farrah Hawkins and Alexis Hornbuckle.
Aftermath
Following the playoff exit, the Sparks missed the postseason in 2015 (the first time since 2011), leading to the dismissal of head coach Carol Ross in October 2014. She was replaced by Brian Agler for the 2015 season.
