WNBA

• Mercury beat Sparks in Game 1

  
  

  Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Diana Taurasi poured in 28 points, including three clutch free throws down the stretch, and doled out six assists to lead the Phoenix Mercury in a 103-94 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks in Game 1 of the Western Conference finals at Pauley Pavilion.

  LA was forced out of its home arena due to a Britney Spears concert. The best- of-three series now shifts to Phoenix for Game 2 on Friday.

  Penny Taylor added 18 points off the bench for the Mercury, who beat San Antonio, 2-1, in the semifinals.

  Cappie Pondexter gave 15 points and Lecoe Willingham 12 in the win. Tangela Smith donated 11 points, six boards and five steals.

  Candace Parker had a playoff career-high 28 points and hauled in 10 boards for the Sparks, who beat Seattle, 2-1, in the semis. Tina Thompson also had a playoff career high of 25 points and added seven rebounds and five helpers in defeat.

  Lisa Leslie totaled 19 points and DeLisha Milton-Jones 10 in the setback.

  Leading by two points, Taurasi was pushed from behind while attempting a three-pointer with 41.6 ticks left to play.

  She hit all three foul shots to make it 98-93.

  LA failed to scored on its next touch and Phoenix held on for the win.

  09/24 00:42:55 ET