Monarchs Stifle Leslie, Sparks

SACRAMENTO —  Nicole Powell’s career-high 22 points and Lisa Leslie’s career-low three points helped the Sacramento Monarchs beat the Sparks, 81-53, at Arco Arena on Saturday.

Chamique Holdsclaw had 11 points for the Sparks, who fell to 3-3, behind the Western Conference-leading Monarchs (4-1).

Leslie finished 0 for 7, scoring only at the free-throw line and well below her 16.4-point average.

Her previous low of four points came June 5, 2004, at Arco Arena.

“They do a lot of triple-teaming,” Leslie said. “They really pack it in inside and force other teammates to beat them. We expected the triple teaming, but I just thought we didn’t do a really good job as a team executing.”

Leslie, bothered by a groin injury, didn’t use it as an excuse.

“I put on my uniform so I feel like I can play,” she said.

Sacramento’s Yolanda Griffith scored 17 points on eight-for-12 shooting and DeMya Walker added 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Powell, who was traded to Sacramento after a disappointing rookie season in Charlotte, finished five of seven from three-point range.

“It feels great,” Powell said. “I have a different attitude coming into this season.”

It was the second-worst defeat in the Sparks’ nine-year history, behind only a 92-56 loss at Seattle on Aug. 6, 2003.

Tamika Whitmore and Tamecka Dixon had 10 points apiece for the Sparks, who were outscored, 38-20, in the paint and at one point went scoreless for 5:35 in the first half.

“They outplayed us and they outworked us,” Spark Coach Henry Bibby said. “We know how good they are. They are the best defensive team I’ve seen in the WNBA.”