Parker scores 27 to lead Sparks over Mercury

PHOENIX – Candace Parker had 27 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a 99-88 win over the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday.

Sparks rookie Nneka Ogwumike added 22 points for the Sparks, who have won three of their first four games of the season.

Candice Dupree had 24 points to lead the Mercury. Parker had eight of her points in the final five minutes after Phoenix had cut an 11-point lead to three.

At Washington, Matee Ajavon scored 19 points and Crystal Langhorne added 15 points and 10 rebounds to help the Mystics fend off the Shock.

Monique Currie had 15 points as the Mystics won despite committing 32 turnovers. Washington had lost five straight and 14 of 15 games dating back to the 2011 season.

Ivory Latta scored 16 points to lead the winless Shock, which has lost seven straight games going back to last season.