Sparks punch ticket for finals

Rookie Nikki Teasley has 11 points and nine assists as L.A. beat Utah 103-77, sweeping the Western Conference finals and advancing to the WNBA championship.

A Sparks' offensive eruption made absolutely sure Utah didn't extend the Western Conference finals, as LA won 103-77. The 103 points is a WNBA playoff record and the Sparks lead by as many as 30 in the first half.

Lisa Leslie had 25 points as five Sparks had double figure scoring nights.

"We ran into a team that is clicking on all cylinders and just shooting the ball as well as just about any team I've ever seen,'' Utah coach Candi Harvey told the AP.

The win gave L.A. a sweep of the Western Conference series and a pleased coach. " This is the best I've ever seen this team play," Sparks coach Michael Cooper told the AP. "They understand now what it takes not only to become champions, but to repeat as champions.''

Former Carolina player Nikki Teasley had a strong performance running the offense - 11 points, nine assists, two steals, a block and no turnovers.

The Sparks await the Eastern Conference champions. New York beat Washington 96-79 on Saturday to force a final third game.