It Takes Time, but Sparks Win

Mwadi Mabika scored all seven of her points in the second overtime to give the Sparks an 85-80 victory over the Sacramento Monarchs on Thursday night in front of 9,552 at Arco Arena.

Lisa Leslie scored 17 points to become the first 4,000-point scorer in WNBA history and also had 12 rebounds for the Sparks (18-7), who have won four in a row and 11 of 12.

Mabika led the Sparks with 24 points. She opened the second overtime with a three-point basket and made a basket from close range and two free throws in the closing seconds, outscoring the Monarchs, 7-2.

In the first overtime, Sacramento forward DeMya Walker tied the score, 78-78, on a drive with 44 seconds left. She then had a chance to win it in the final seconds but missed an off-balance shot.

With the Monarchs trailing, 68-63, with 29 seconds left in regulation, Kara Lawson made two three-pointers to send the game to overtime. After a free throw from Mabika made it 69-66, Lawson’s second three-pointer tied it with 4.2 seconds left.

Lawson led five Monarchs in double figures with 20 points, including six three-pointers. Walker had 16 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Nikki Teasley had 19 points and Temecka Dixon scored 11 for the Sparks, who lead the West Conference.

The Monarchs rallied behind Walker and rookie Rebekkah Brunson. A layup by Brunson capped a 16-3 run that put them ahead, 60-58, with 3:35 left.