Parker returns for Sparks

Former Lady Vols scores six in loss to Mercury

By Associated Press

Originally published 12:29 a.m., July 6, 2009
Updated 12:29 a.m., July 6, 2009

LOS ANGELES — Cappie Pondexter scored 21 points and Diana Taurasi had 20, leading the Phoenix Mercury to a 104-89 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday night.

The Sparks’ Candace Parker made her season debut after being cleared to play Tuesday. Parker, who gave birth to a daughter on May 13, had six points and four rebounds in 20 minutes. She was the league’s MVP and top rookie last season.

Taurasi added a season-high six assists, five rebounds and three blocks in her first game for the Mercury (8-4) since being cited for drunk driving Thursday morning.

DeWanna Bonner had 17 points and 10 rebounds as Phoenix took a half-game lead over second-place Minnesota in the WNBA’s Western Conference.

Tina Thompson and Betty Lennox scored 17 points apiece for the Sparks (3-6). DeLisha Milton-Jones tied a season high with 15 points, all in the first half.

Los Angeles held a 53-45 lead with 38 seconds gone in the second half, but Bonner had 12 points and six rebounds in the third quarter. The Mercury led 81-70 at the end of the period.

Phoenix began the fourth quarter with an 11-0 spurt. The Mercury also made 31 of 37 free throws in the game.