The Los Angeles Sparks secured a 97-88 road victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night at the Mortgage Matchup Center.
Los Angeles built a 21-point lead in the third quarter before holding off a late rally by Phoenix.
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Dearica Hamby led the Sparks with her first double-double of the season, scoring 27 points and grabbing 15 rebounds.
"Dearica was amazing tonight," Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said. "Her finishing ability...
just her footwork, her ability to finish. But just her activity tonight, I think, is what stood out."
Hamby shot 7-of-11 from the field and 11-of-11 from the free-throw line, adding five offensive rebounds.
The Sparks scored a season-high 60 points in the first half but were limited to 37 points in the second half.
"We knew Phoenix had a run in them," Roberts said. "They're a really good team with some vet players and well-coached."
Los Angeles recorded 23 assists on 31 made field goals and connected on 15 three-pointers, matching the second-highest single-game total in franchise history.
"Offensively, the numbers tell the story," Roberts said. "23 assists on 31 made field goals.
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We attempted 32 threes, which is what we want to do."
Guard Ariel Atkins returned from concussion protocol and contributed 11 points and three steals.
"I think you saw what she brings to our squad. She set the tone for us defensively from the jump," Roberts said.
Nneka Ogwumike scored 12 points, moving past Tamika Catchings into fifth place on the WNBA all-time scoring list.
"She amazes me every day," rookie Cameron Brink said.
"Just her ability to lead and just be a super caring human but also just a killer on the court."
Kelsey Plum added 16 points for Los Angeles, while Brink and Rae Burrell each scored 12.
The Mercury were led by Alyssa Thomas with 23 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, and Kahleah Copper with 22 points.
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The Sparks improved to 2-3 on the season and will face the defending champion Aces in Las Vegas on Saturday.
