Sacramento Runs Away From the Sparks, 79-59

Lisa Leslie was able to play Friday night, but it wasn’t enough for the Sparks, who were routed by the Sacramento Monarchs, 79-59, at Sacramento.

Leslie, who had injured her left knee in a loss Tuesday, had a team-high 14 points and played sparingly in the second half as the Monarchs (16-7) broke away with a 15-4 run after halftime.

“I didn’t think we came out and played hard,� said Spark Coach Henry Bibby, whose team was without injured point guard Nikki Teasley for the third consecutive game. “They pick you up, put a lot of pressure on you. Sacramento is playing well right now.�

It was the fourth defeat in five games for the Sparks (11-11).

Yolanda Griffith’s 17 points led the Monarchs, who are first in the Western Conference and have a 10-2 record at home.

“We love to play L.A. and we love playing at home,� Sacramento point guard Ticha Penicheiro said. “We didn’t do well last year at home, but we know home court is huge, especially in the playoffs.�

Teasley, who has a foot injury, was placed on the injured list. The Sparks activated Laura Macchi to replace her. Macchi sat out the first 21 games because of a foot injury.

Phoenix 69, Minnesota 65 -- Penny Taylor scored 20 points and Diana Taurasi had 17 to lead the Mercury (10-12) over the Lynx (11-12) at Minneapolis. Phoenix rallied from a nine-point deficit with 6:45 left to tie it, at 65-65, with 1:45 left on Taurasi’s three-point shot. Taylor made two free throws with 35 seconds left.

*

Indiana 62, Washington 58 -- Tamika Catchings had 22 points and made one of two free throws with 15.9 seconds left to lead the Fever (14-8) over the Mystics (12-12) at Indianapolis. Chasity Melvin had cut Washington’s deficit to one, at 59-58, with 22.4 seconds left before Catchings’ free throw.

*

Seattle 79, Charlotte 68 -- Janell Burse’s 27 points led the Storm (13-10) over the Sting (3-20) at Seattle.