Last Updated on August 12, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The 2005 Los Angeles Sparks centered their attack on Lisa Leslie, whose dominant scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking established her as the team’s cornerstone. Temeka Johnson directed the offense with steady playmaking, while DeLisha Milton-Jones and Mwadi Mabika provided balanced secondary scoring. Los Angeles excelled through interior efficiency, rebounding, and defensive presence, but inconsistent perimeter shooting and limited offensive depth outside its core contributors reduced the team’s overall consistency.
| NO. | PLAYER | POS. | HT. | WT. | BIRTH DATE | COLLEGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chamique Holdsclaw | F | 6-2 | 172 | August 9, 1977 | Tennessee |
| 4 | Mwadi Mabika | G | 5-11 | 165 | July 27, 1976 | |
| 5 | Laura Macchi | F | 6-1 | 169 | May 24, 1979 | |
| 6 | Gordana Grubin | G | 5-11 | 165 | August 20, 1972 | |
| 9 | Lisa Leslie | C | 6-5 | 170 | July 7, 1972 | USC |
| 10 | Doneeka Lewis | G | 5-9 | 160 | July 19, 1982 | LSU |
| 21 | Tamecka Dixon | G | 5-9 | 148 | December 14, 1975 | Kansas |
| 22 | Edniesha Curry | G | 5-4 | 138 | July 9, 1979 | Oregon |
| 24 | Jessica Moore | F-C | 6-3 | 175 | July 9, 1982 | UConn |
| 32 | Christi Thomas | F-C | 6-4 | 198 | August 14, 1982 | Georgia |
| 33 | Raffaella Masciadri | F | 6-0 | 169 | September 30, 1980 | |
| 42 | Nikki Teasley | G | 6-0 | 169 | March 22, 1979 | UNC |
| 44 | Tamika Whitmore | F | 6-2 | 215 | June 5, 1977 | Memphis |
| 55 | Marlous Nieuwveen | C | 6-5 | 180 | April 12, 1980 | Valparaiso |
HeatingUp Impact Index: Regular Season Team Impact Spotlight
| Player Name | Role Tier | MPG | Usage Tier | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | Impact Index | Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chamique Holdsclaw | Starter/Star (1.1) | 35.8 | High (1.2) | 17.0 | 6.8 | 3.2 | 1.7 | 73.66 | As the primary scoring forward, Holdsclaw carried the offensive burden with a versatile inside-out game, using her size to attack mismatches while also creating for teammates. Her 17.0 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.2 assists reflected the all-around role she played as Los Angeles’ main perimeter initiator and scorer. | WNBA All-Star (2002, 2003, 2004); All-WNBA First Team (2002); All-WNBA Second Team (2003); Olympic Gold Medal (2004) |
| Lisa Leslie | Starter/Star (1.1) | 32.2 | High (1.2) | 15.2 | 7.3 | 2.6 | 4.1 | 71.28 | Leslie remained the defensive anchor in the middle, combining elite rim protection with a polished post game. Writers often highlighted how her presence changed opponents’ shot selection, and her 2.1 blocks per game showed the impact she had protecting the paint while still scoring efficiently inside. | WNBA All-Star (1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004); All-WNBA First Team (2004); All-WNBA Second Team (2002, 2003); WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2004); Olympic Gold Medal (2004) |
| Nikki Teasley | Key Contributor (1.05) | 29.0 | Medium (1.1) | 7.4 | 2.8 | 3.7 | 1.4 | 33.66 | Teasley operated as the team’s lead guard and tempo controller, giving Los Angeles a steady ball handler who could stretch defenses with three-point shooting. Her 3.7 assists per game and willingness to take perimeter shots helped balance a frontcourt-focused offense. | WNBA Champion (2002) |
| Tamika Whitmore | Key Contributor (1.05) | 27.0 | Medium (1.1) | 9.6 | 4.2 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 35.64 | Whitmore provided physical scoring on the wing, attacking smaller defenders and supplying energy on both ends. Her role was less about volume creation and more about bringing toughness, rebounding, and dependable minutes alongside the team’s established stars. | WNBA Champion (2002) |
| Tamecka Dixon | Key Contributor (1.05) | 20.2 | Medium (1.1) | 5.3 | 2.2 | 2.6 | 0.9 | 25.08 | Dixon gave the backcourt defensive pressure and secondary playmaking, often taking difficult perimeter assignments while keeping the offense organized. Her ability to handle the ball and defend multiple guard spots made her a valuable rotation piece during the championship season. | WNBA Champion (2002) |
| Doneeka Lewis | Key Contributor (1.05) | 20.9 | Medium (1.1) | 5.6 | 1.5 | 2.4 | 0.8 | 22.66 | Lewis was used as a spacing guard who could punish defenses from outside, connecting on 44.9% of her three-point attempts. Her shooting allowed the Sparks to maintain floor balance when their frontcourt stars drew defensive attention. | — |
| Mwadi Mabika | Key Contributor (1.05) | 21.6 | Medium (1.1) | 5.8 | 1.6 | 1.7 | 0.9 | 22.00 | Mabika filled a complementary scoring role as a perimeter option, though her season was limited by inconsistent shooting. Coaches valued her athleticism and ability to provide wing depth in a rotation built around veteran stars. | WNBA Champion (2002); Olympic Bronze Medal (2004) |
| Christi Thomas | Bench (1.0) | 16.3 | Low (1.0) | 3.8 | 3.3 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 17.00 | Thomas served as a developing interior reserve, giving the Sparks size and rebounding when Leslie needed rest. Her 3.3 rebounds in limited minutes showed her usefulness as a physical presence rather than a primary offensive option. | WNBA Champion (2002) |
| Raffaella Masciadri | Bench (1.0) | 14.0 | Low (1.0) | 3.7 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 12.60 | Masciadri provided international shooting depth, spacing the floor with a 41.3% three-point mark. Her minutes came mainly as a perimeter specialist who could keep defenses honest around Los Angeles’ dominant interior players. | — |
| Laura Macchi | Bench (1.0) | 11.4 | Low (1.0) | 4.8 | 1.4 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 14.80 | Macchi added another international scoring option off the bench, relying on perimeter shooting and quick offensive decisions. Her role was limited but valuable in keeping the second unit functional when starters left the floor. | — |
| Edniesha Curry | Bench (1.0) | 8.7 | Low (1.0) | 1.8 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 8.20 | Curry saw spot minutes as a reserve guard, contributing mainly through ball handling and defensive energy rather than offensive creation. Her limited role reflected a deep veteran roster with established backcourt options ahead of her. | — |
| Jessica Moore | Bench (1.0) | 7.3 | Low (1.0) | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 2.80 | Moore was a developmental frontcourt reserve who provided size in short appearances. Her opportunities were limited on a veteran championship roster, but she gained experience within a demanding defensive system. | WNBA Champion (2002) |
| Gordana Grubin | Bench (1.0) | 4.6 | Low (1.0) | 0.1 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 3.00 | Grubin occupied a deep reserve role, appearing briefly while contributing occasional ball movement and veteran presence. Her limited minutes came on a roster already featuring established creators and frontcourt leaders. | — |
| Marlous Nieuwveen | Bench (1.0) | 2.3 | Low (1.0) | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.80 | Nieuwveen was a late-rotation interior option whose appearances were mostly situational. She provided depth behind the Sparks’ established frontcourt rotation during the season. | — |
HeatingUp Impact Index: Playoff Team Impact Spotlight
| Player Name | Role Tier | MPG | Usage Tier | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | Impact Index | Notes | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chamique Holdsclaw | Starter/Star (1.1) | 39.0 | High (1.2) | 15.5 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 51.48 | As Los Angeles’ primary scoring forward, Holdsclaw handled a major shot-creation role in the Finals while using her size to attack defenders from different spots. Her aggressive scoring approach and ability to contribute defensively helped keep the Sparks competitive in a tightly contested series. | WNBA Champion (2002) |
| Lisa Leslie | Starter/Star (1.1) | 33.5 | High (1.2) | 9.0 | 6.5 | 3.5 | 4.0 | 50.16 | Leslie remained the defensive centerpiece, controlling the paint with elite timing while also facilitating from the high post. Her rebounding, passing, and 1.5 blocks per game showed the all-around impact that reporters often pointed to when describing her value beyond scoring. | WNBA Champion (2002); WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2004) |
| Nikki Teasley | Key Contributor (1.05) | 30.5 | Medium (1.1) | 11.0 | 2.5 | 7.0 | 1.5 | 46.20 | Teasley stepped into a lead-guard role during the Finals, directing the offense and creating opportunities for teammates with 7.0 assists per game. Her willingness to handle pressure possessions and make decisions in the half court was a major part of Los Angeles’ championship formula. | WNBA Champion (2002) |
| Raffaella Masciadri | Key Contributor (1.05) | 23.5 | Medium (1.1) | 12.0 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 35.64 | Masciadri provided valuable perimeter spacing as an international shooting option, knocking down outside attempts while playing an efficient complementary role. Her ability to stretch the defense gave the Sparks another way to create room around their dominant interior players. | WNBA Champion (2002) |
| Tamika Whitmore | Key Contributor (1.05) | 24.0 | Medium (1.1) | 9.0 | 1.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 25.41 | Whitmore brought physical wing play and secondary scoring, attacking the basket and defending with toughness. Her Finals role was built around energy and competitiveness rather than high usage, giving Los Angeles another reliable option alongside its stars. | WNBA Champion (2002) |
| Christi Thomas | Bench (1.0) | 19.0 | Low (1.0) | 4.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 14.00 | Thomas provided interior depth in limited postseason minutes, offering size and activity around the basket. Her defensive presence allowed the Sparks to maintain their physical identity when rotating through the frontcourt. | WNBA Champion (2002) |
| Laura Macchi | Bench (1.0) | 4.5 | Low (1.0) | 3.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 7.00 | Macchi played a small reserve role but gave the lineup an extra perimeter threat when called upon. Her limited appearances focused mainly on spacing and taking open opportunities rather than creating offense. | WNBA Champion (2002) |
| Mwadi Mabika | Key Contributor (1.05) | 11.0 | Low (1.0) | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.20 | Mabika’s Finals minutes were limited, but she remained a valued wing option because of her athleticism and defensive versatility. The Sparks leaned heavily on their established core, reducing opportunities for their deeper rotation pieces. | WNBA Champion (2002) |
| Tamecka Dixon | Bench (1.0) | 6.0 | Low (1.0) | 1.0 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 6.00 | Dixon provided brief guard minutes, helping with ball pressure and maintaining offensive structure. Her reduced role reflected a playoff rotation centered around the team’s top creators and veteran leaders. | WNBA Champion (2002) |
| Edniesha Curry | Bench (1.0) | 8.0 | Low (1.0) | 0.0 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 3.00 | Curry appeared in short stretches as a reserve guard, contributing defensive energy and ball handling when needed. With the rotation shortened, her opportunities were mostly situational during the Finals. | WNBA Champion (2002) |
| Doneeka Lewis | Bench (1.0) | 6.5 | Low (1.0) | 1.5 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 7.00 | Lewis received limited postseason exposure but offered shooting ability and quick decision-making from the guard position. Her role was primarily to provide depth behind the Sparks’ main perimeter group. | WNBA Champion (2002) |
| Totals | — | 225.5 | — | 67.5 | 19.0 | 17.5 | 10.5 | 291.17 | Los Angeles Sparks championship roster playoff production totals from listed players. | WNBA Champion (2002) |