Sharpshooting Sparks knock off Lynx, 87-59

The Sparks knocked the Western Conference-leading Minnesota Lynx out of their comfort zone Friday night with a 87-59 victory at Staples Center.

Kristi Toliver and Nneka Ogwumike led the Sparks (4-2), who shot 60% in the first half for a 50-24 halftime lead.

The Sparks also took command on defense, limiting Minnesota (5-2), which had averaged 86.5 points in their first six games, to 35% shooting overall. The Lynx, who took out all their starters in the second half, got only two points on one-for-six shooting from team leader Maya Moore. The Sparks outrebounded Minnesota, 43-31.

Toliver scored 16 of her 19 points in the first half. Ogwumike finished with 18 points on nine-for-11 shooting. Backup center Jantel Lavender added 16 points.

The Sparks got a boost from the return of starting point guard Lindsey Harding, who had 13 points after sitting out the previous game because of a right eye bruise.

The Sparks’ victory ended the Minnesota’s three-game winning streak. The matchup was the first of three meetings between the teams within 12 days. They play at Minnesota next Friday and then back at Staples Center on July 2.