SPARKS

vs. Phoenix, 2:30 p.m., ESPN2

Sparks lead playoff series, 1-0

* Site--Great Western Forum.

* Radio--KPLS (830).

* Update--”It’s amazing what the playoffs can do for you,” Lisa Leslie said Friday night after leading the Sparks to an 86-77 victory at Phoenix. Now the Sparks return home, where they are 15-1. L.A. defeated Phoenix, 76-57, at the Forum on June 10, 74-68 at Phoenix on July 21, and 77-63 at Phoenix Aug. 5. A victory today would put the Sparks into the best-of-three Western Conference final, which begins Thursday, against Houston or Sacramento. The Sparks shot 51.5% Friday, outrebounded Phoenix, 38-26, and had only eight turnovers. Spark guard Tamecka Dixon, who had 14 points and five assists Friday, said she will need to play at that level again. “[Phoenix Coach] Cheryl [Miller] will have her team ready to play much better,” Dixon said.

* Tickets--(310) 419-3181.