Sparks’ Leslie named 2004 MVP

Leslie, who also claimed the honor in 2001, received 425 points and 33 of a possible 48 first-place votes from a national media panel. The 6’5" center led the league in rebounding (9.9 per game) and blocked shots (2.88) and finished third in scoring (17.6) this season.

The announcement came just before Game One of the WNBA Finals between Connecticut and Seattle at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Los Angeles finished with a league-best 25-9 record in the regular season, but was bounced from the playoffs by Sacramento.

"It’s not often that I’m at a loss for words," Leslie said. "I’m just thankful that I’ve been blessed to play a sport that I really love, that I’m really passionate about."

Leslie boasts three Olympic gold medals and she also helped the Sparks win the title in 2001 and 2002. In 33 career playoff games, she has averaged 19.5 points and 9.5 rebounds. Leslie became the first women in the league to dunk in 2002.

Last year’s MVP, Seattle’s Lauren Jackson, finished second in the voting with 351 points.