The 1997 WNBA season was the first season for the Los Angeles Sparks. The Sparks finished in second place in the Western Division with a record of 14 wins and 14 losses.
The Sparks and WNBA's first game was played on June 21, 1997, in Los Angeles. The Sparks lost to the New York Liberty, 67-57. The attendance at the Forum was 14,284.
Tamecka Dixon was tied for tenth in the WNBA in steals with 49.
Tamecka Dixon ranked tenth in the WNBA in Field Goal Percentage (.456)
Lisa Leslie ranked third in the WNBA in points with 445 points.
Lisa Leslie ranked third in the WNBA in points per game with 15.9
Lisa Leslie ranked fifth in the WNBA in field goals with 160.
Lisa Leslie ranked first in the WNBA in total rebounds with 266.
Lisa Leslie ranked second in the WNBA in blocks with 59.
Penny Toler ranked tenth in the WNBA in points with 368 points.
Penny Toler ranked eighth in the WNBA in field goals with 144.
Penny Toler ranked tenth in the WNBA in points per game with 13.1
Penny Toler ranked sixth in the WNBA in Free Throw Pct with .839
Penny Toler ranked second in the WNBA in assists with 143.
Jamila Wideman ranked seventh in the WNBA in assists with 103.
Haixia Zheng ranked ninth in the WNBA in blocks with 20.
Awards and honors
Lisa Leslie, Center, All WNBA First Team
Lisa Leslie: Led WNBA, Defensive Rebounds, 203
Lisa Leslie: Led WNBA, Total Rebounds, 266
Lisa Leslie: Led WNBA, Rebounds per game, 9.5
Lisa Leslie ranked second in the WNBA with 2.1 blocks per game.
Lisa Leslie ranked third in the WNBA with 113 Free Throws.
Haixia Zheng, WNBA Peak Performer
Haixia Zheng, Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award
Haixia Zheng: Led WNBA, Field Goal Percentage, .618
