Nneka Ogwumike scored 23 points and the Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Phoenix Mercury 99-94 Wednesday night. Ogwumike led five Los Angeles players in double figures as the Sparks put an end to a five-game skid.
Liz Cambage added 21 points, Katie Lou Samuelson scored 17, Chennedy Carter had 12 for the Sparks (3-5). Skylar Diggins-Smith scored a game-high 28 points to lead Phoenix (2-5). Diggins-Smith returned from a two-game absence.
Tina Charles had 21, Diamond DeShields added 17 points and nine assists, Diana Taurasi scored 11 as the Mercury lost their fourth straight. Mercury’s Sophie Cunningham sat out because of health and safety protocol, and Shey Peddy also was out with a back injury.
Los Angeles finished the half with a 56-45 edge. They kept their distance for most of the game, but, Phoenix fought back in the closing minutes to avoid defeat. Taurasi hit two free throws to cut the lead to three (94-97) with one minute left.
Sparks held on to the win as the Mercury did not score any points after that. Jordin Canada and Ogwumike each made one of two free throws down the stretch to help Los Angeles seal the victory.
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