Sparks get third road win of season with 78-68 victory over Mercury
Phoenix’s Mistie Bass pressures Sparks center Jantel Lavender during their game Friday night in Phoenix.
PHOENIX — Candace Parker had 26 points and 10 rebounds, and Jantel Lavender added 15 points and 11 rebounds, to help the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Phoenix Mercury, 78-68, on Friday night for their third road victory.
Los Angeles had a 14-point lead early in the fourth quarter before the Mercury went on a 10-2 run to cut it to 63-57.
Phoenix got to within three points, 69-66, with 2:11 left, but Kristi Toliver made three free throws and, after a Mercury turnover, Parker made a fastbreak layup for a 74-66 lead.
Kristi Toliver added 17 points for Los Angeles (9-17). Nneka Ogwumike missed her second straight game with concussion-like symptoms.
Brittney Griner scored 20 points, Candice Dupree added 15 and DeWanna Bonner had 13 for Phoenix (15-11). The Mercury clinched a playoff spot after San Antonio’s loss to Minnesota.
Before the game, Phoenix presented Los Angeles’ Erin Phillips her 2014 WNBA championship ring. She signed with the Sparks during the off-season.
Go beyond the scoreboard
Get the latest on L.A.'s teams in the daily Sports Report newsletter.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
