Natasha Cloud loves Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES— The second place New York Liberty got their revenge on the Los Angeles Sparks Tuesday at Crypto.Com Arena in a high-scoring matchup that halted the Sparks’ scorching hot momentum. In a game dominated by towering figures like Emma Meesseman and Jonquel Jones, it was the smallest player on the court that made Los Angeles her second home on Tuesday night. 

Natasha Cloud’s impact was felt on the court as one of the five Liberty players who scored in double figures in the 105-97 victory. But her embrace of Los Angeles off-the-court may win her even more fans from Hollywood to the Big Apple. 

Cloud introduced herself to reporters pregame with a welcoming and friendly aura, praising L.A. for its sunny skies. Tattooed from head-to-toe with a charming smile and laidback attitude, you would think the Pennsylvania native was raised in a Southern California beach town. 

“I know it's Crypto now,” Cloud told reporters pregame, “but it will always be Staples Center to me.” If there’s a more “L.A.” sentence than that, I’d love to hear it. Native Angelenos will tell you that a part of them died on December 25, 2021 when Crypto.Com acquired the naming rights to the treasured downtown arena. 

When it was known as Staples Center, the arena hosted five NBA Finals, three WNBA Finals, and two Stanley Cup Championships. Kings, Lakers, and Sparks fans have all seen remarkable sports moments within its hallowed halls. 

The greats–from Shaquille O’Neal to Lisa Leslie, have jerseys hanging from its rafters. But Cloud, as well as many Angelenos, will recognize the most important figure to play in on its court. 

 “This is the house that Kobe built,” Cloud added,  “So I'm always happy to be back here.” 

The late hall-of-famer’s second statue was unveiled this past offseason with angel wings surrounding him and his daughter, Gigi, in a touching memorial just outside the arena. It’s easy to pay homage to the Black Mamba with kind words, but during the game, Cloud’s “Mamba Mentality” truly shines. Listed at 5’10” and just 160 lbs, “Tash” plays with a ferocity that makes it seem like she’s shoulder-to-shoulder with 6’6” Jones, or 6’4” Meesseman. 

With harassing speed, Cloud acts like a pest, helping to force turnovers on defense. She’s a popular figure in L.A., getting loud cheers from the crowd when her name was announced during player introductions. 

Now, I don’t want to manufacture another East Coast-West Coast hip-hop beef, but Cloud’s love of Los Angeles did pique my curiosity. New York is known as the “Mecca” of basketball, and Madison Square Garden, (MSG), the altar at which basketball purists kneel. The city of New York is home to its own championships, legends, and massively influential hoops culture. Though the Liberty play at Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, I wanted to know: which arena is more iconic? Crypto–rather– Staples? or MSG?

“I’ll say Staples Center,” Cloud responded, “because MSG isn’t where we play.” 

It’s a bit of a sly response, but I’ll take it as a “W” for the city of Los Angeles. 

The Sparks, on the other hand, did not come away with the win. But the team is 7-3 in their last ten games, with one of the most impressive offenses in the league. The defending champion Liberty are now 21-11, holding steady without injured former MVP Breanna Stewart. 

After two games at Barclay’s, this was the first Liberty game this season in L.A., so it’s a rare treat to see Cloud 9 on the West Coast. But, if the 10-year vet ever wants to spend some time on the sunnier side of the country, she’d definitely look right at home in a Sparks uniform, in the house that Kobe built.