LOS ANGELES (AP) — Candace Parker had 26 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists and the Los Angeles Sparks earned a 101-76 victory against the Phoenix Mercury on Tuesday night.
The Sparks (23-10) secured second place in the Western Conference to ensure that they will open the first round at home, where they have won nine straight and are 15-1 this season.
L.A. concludes the regular season Thursday against first-place Minnesota.
Parker had a double-double by the third quarter and had four blocks. Alana Beard scored 22 points, one point shy of her season high, with six steals and Kristi Toliver added 17.
The Sparks led wire to wire and by double digits over the final 15 minutes.
The Mercury (7-25) dropped their fifth consecutive game.
