Sparks beat short-handed Mercury for fifth straight win - Los Angeles Times
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Sparks beat the short-handed Mercury for their fifth straight victory

The Sparks' Azurá Stevens prepares to shoot a free throw.
The Sparks’ Azurá Stevens had 20 points and nine rebounds in the team’s win over the Phoenix Mercury on Wednesday.
(Stephen Gosling / NBAE via Getty Images)
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Azurá Stevens had 20 points and nine rebounds, Karlie Samuelson scored a career-high 15 points and the Sparks beat the short-handed Phoenix Mercury 91-62 on Wednesday night for their fifth straight victory.

Jordin Canada and Zia Cooke each added 11 points for Los Angeles (14-18), which shot a season-high 54% from the field.

Phoenix (9-24), which has lost four straight games, was without stars Brittney Griner (health and safety protocol) and Diana Taurasi (left toe).

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Los Angeles scored 14 of the final 15 points of the first quarter to take a 30-15 lead. The Sparks were ahead 44-30 at halftime behind 14 points from Stevens.

The Sparks knew this would be a rebuilding year under new coach Curt Miller, but the team has rallied to fight for the eighth and final playoff spot.

Aug. 22, 2023

Samuelson made a three-pointer midway through the third quarter to give Los Angeles a 60-38 lead.

Sophie Cunningham led the Mercury with 16 points. Megan Gustafson had 14 points and eight rebounds and Liz Dixon scored 12.

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