Sparks lose to streaking Phoenix Mercury, 93-73

DeWanna Bonner scored a season-high 22 points to lead the Phoenix Mercury to their 14th straight victory, 93-73 over the Sparks on Thursday night.

Diana Taurasi and Brittney Griner each had 18 points and Candice Dupree added 10 points and 11 rebounds for the Mercury (20-3), four wins shy of the Sparks’ WNBA record of 18 straight wins in 2001.

Nneka Ogwumike scored 23 points and Jantel Lavender had 16 for the Sparks (10-14), who lost their fifth straight home game. Candace Parker returned from a knee strain injury and had 14 points and nine rebounds.

Phoenix led by double digits from 25-15. Taurasi made a 3-pointer early in third quarter to give Phoenix its biggest lead at 64-38 before the Sparks went on a 23-9 run to get to 73-61.

Ogwumike had 19 points in the second half.

Sparks owner Magic Johnson attended the game.