Candace Parker had 23 points, seven rebounds and a career-high 11 assists, Alana Beard scored all 10 of her points in the fourth quarter and the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Washington Mystics 97-86 on Friday night.
Los Angeles led by 20 points but Washington rallied to tie it at 76.
Chelsea Gray drew two defenders in the lane and found Beard open in the corner for a 91-84 lead. The Sparks made six straight free throws in the final 30 seconds to seal it.
Riquna Williams scored 13 of her season-high 16 points in the first half and made all six of her field goals for Los Angeles (7-2). The Sparks had all five starters score in double figures. Odyssey Sims also scored 16 points.
Elena Delle Donne had 18 points, seven rebounds and four steals for Washington (6-5). LaToya Sanders added 12 points and 11 rebounds.
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