The 2001 WNBA Championship was the championship series of the 2001 WNBA season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The Los Angeles Sparks, top-seeded champions of the Western Conference, defeated the Charlotte Sting, fourth-seeded champions of the Eastern Conference, two games to none in a best-of-three series. This was Los Angeles' first title.
The Sparks made their first appearance in the Finals in franchise history. The Sting also made their first Finals appearance.
Going into the series, no other team except the Houston Comets had ever won a WNBA championship (1997-2000).
The Sparks had a 28–4 record (.875), good enough to receive home-court advantage over the Sting (18–14). It did not matter, however, as the Sparks swept the Sting.
Road to the finals Los Angeles SparksCharlotte Sting28–4 (.875)1st West, 1st overall Regular season18–14 (.562)4th East, 8th overallDefeated the (4) Houston Comets, 2–0 Conference SemifinalsDefeated the (1) Cleveland Rockers, 2–1Defeated the (2) Sacramento Monarchs, 2–1 Conference FinalsDefeated the (2) New York Liberty, 2–1
Regular season series The Sparks won the regular season series:
Game summaries All times listed below are Eastern Daylight Time.
Game 1
Game 2
Awards 2001 WNBA champion: Los Angeles Sparks Finals MVP: Lisa Leslie
Rosters