Sparks go down hard as Mercury’s hot streak continues, 90-69
Diana Taurasi scored 17 points to help the Phoenix Mercury cruise to their 16th straight win, 90-69, over the Sparks on Tuesday night.
The win gave Phoenix (22-3) the second-longest winning streak in league history, passing Houston’s 15-game streak in 1998 and moving two games shy of the WNBA mark of 18 straight by the Sparks in 2001.
Candice Dupree had 16 points and nine rebounds while Brittney Griner added 14 points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots for the Mercury.
Nneka Ogwumike had 18 points and nine rebounds for the Sparks (12-15), who are now 2-3 since general manager Penny Toler took over as coach during the All-Star break. The Sparks have lost four of six overall.
The Sparks played for the second consecutive game without leading scorer Candace Parker, who remained in California nursing a strained left knee.
Kristi Tolliver added 14 points and seven assists for the Sparks, who kept it close for more than a half.
Go beyond the scoreboard
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