The Los Angeles Sparks have swept the season series with the Phoenix Mercury for the first time since 2003.
With alot on the line, not only would the Sparks increase their lead over San Antonio in the west, but also clinch a playoff berth.
In the second quarter Candace Parker played like the MVP we've seen majority of the season, as Marrissa Coleman missed a free throw, an aggressive Parker made a spectacular turn around jumper. Then managed to get a block on the other end of the basket, and scored a timely jumper to push the Sparks lead back to 18 points over the Mercury.
Just before the buzzer Parker hit a big three pointer that erupted the crowd right before halftime. The Sparks led 55-40, playing immaculate defense on the Mercury causing 13 turnovers in the first half. Phoenix' DeWanna Bonner who the Sparks really had no answer for scored 19 points in the first half.
The Sparks came out a little flat to begin the third quarter and Phoenix capitalize by going on a 7-0 run early, that pulled them to 60-53. The Sparks once again were the aggressor as the begin a 16-2 run capped off by an amazing 5 point performance by guard Alana Beard. Parker reached her 17th WNBA double-double by the end of the third quarter. Her double-double ties Tina Charles for most in a season this year.
The Sparks weren't done as they begin a 13-6 run lead by Parker and guard Kristi Toliver that began the fourth quarter. Parker knocked down a three pointer and Toliver knocked down a pair of three pointers that extended the lead 94-70. The Sparks held to for the 101-76 victory over the Phoenix Mercury.
Candace Parker finished with 26 points and 11 rebounds, Alana Beard finished with 22 points and 6 steals and Kristi Toliver added 17 points.
DeWanna Bonner finished with a monster game despite the loss scoring 23 points and 6 rebounds.
Mercury coach Corey Gaines said Candace Dupree is limited to three minutes per quarter in her return from knee surgery back on July 24. Dupree who started, finished with 6 points on 3-4 shooting. Coach Gaines also said he shut down Olympic guard Diana Taurasi for the rest of the season for unspecified reasons.
Sparks who are now 23-10 also secured second place in the Western Conference, have won nine straight at home and clinched a playoff spot.
"I don't think you can ever breathe easy in the playoffs. I think it's like a win-or-go home, especially with the playoff format. You can't have any real time to stumble. So it just puts the pressure on us to win that first game at home," said Candace Parker regarding the playoff picture.
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