The Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA remain winless this afternoon after losing last night in Washington to the Mystics, 84-80.

The 0-5 Sparks remain on the East Coast, playing the Connecticut Sun on Friday at 4 and the New York Liberty at 12 noon Sunday.

The Sparks return to the Staples Center next Thursday, opening a three-game homestand against San Antonio at 7:30. They play Tulsa on Friday at 7:30 and Phoenix on Sunday at 2.

The good news for the Sparks is that one of their best players, Nneka Ogwumike returned against Washington.  In 36 minutes, she scored 11 points and had eight rebounds in her first regular season game.

If guards Alana Beard (foot) and Erin Phillips (knee) can recover from their injuries, and Candace Parker and Kristi Toliver return to the team following other commitments, the Sparks should be able to put together a streak.

“We don’t talk about who is not here,” said Coach Brian Agler.  “That’s disrespectful to the players who are here. We are focused on who is here and on trying to win games with that combination.”

That includes center Jantel Lavender and guard Temeka Johnson. Lavender and Johnson are averaging double-doubles. Against Washington, Lavender scored 18 points and had nine rebounds.  Johnson scored 17 points with 10 assists.

“We have to do a better job of playing 40 minutes instead of 20,” said Johnson after a 76-68 loss to Connecticut last Sunday. “The game never is over at halftime.  We have to go back and look at film and see what I can do better, what  the team can do better.  We need wins.”

This is a time to be practical.

“You have to play the hand you are dealt,” Johnson said. “As long as we have five players on the court, that’s all we need.”

Mr. Finley may be contacted at sfinley50@aol.com