Parker has 26 points, 10 rebounds to lead Sparks

Aug 22, 2016, 12:23 am

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 69-66 with 2:11 left, but Kristi Toliver made three free throws and, after a Mercury turnover, Parker made a fast-break 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 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 offseason.