Sparks get third road win of season with 78-68 victory over Mercury
Phoenix’s Mistie Bass pressures Sparks center Jantel Lavender during their game Friday night in Phoenix.
Candace Parker had 26 points and 10 rebounds, and Jantel Lavender added 15 points and 11 rebounds, to help the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Phoenix Mercury, 78-68, on Friday night for their third road victory.
Los Angeles had a 14-point lead early in the fourth quarter before the Mercury went on a 10-2 run to cut it to 63-57.
Phoenix got to within three points, 69-66, with 2:11 left, but Kristi Toliver made three free throws and, after a Mercury turnover, Parker made a fastbreak layup for a 74-66 lead.
Kristi Toliver added 17 points for Los Angeles (9-17). Nneka Ogwumike missed her second straight game with concussion-like symptoms.
Brittney Griner scored 20 points, Candice Dupree added 15 and DeWanna Bonner had 13 for Phoenix (15-11). The Mercury clinched a playoff spot after San Antonio’s loss to Minnesota.
Before the game, Phoenix presented Los Angeles’ Erin Phillips her 2014 WNBA championship ring. She signed with the Sparks during the off-season.
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