wnba roundup | Saturday’s games

Sparks 99, Mercury 94

PHOENIX — Candace Parker had some jitters in her WNBA debut. It sure didn’t show. Parker scored 34 points, the most in a WNBA debut, and added 12 rebounds to help the Sparks beat the defending champion Mercury. The previous high in a WNBA debut was 25 points by Cynthia Cooper in 1997. The game was tied at 79 early in the fourth quarter when Parker took over. She scored 10 straight points to give the Sparks an 89-86 lead with 3:15 to play. Parker, who made 6-of-7 shots in the final quarter, hit a short hook shot to put the Sparks up 97-94 with 12 seconds to go.

Shock 85, Comets 66

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Katie Smith scored 21 points and Plenette Pierson added 17 to help the Shock. The Shock, who have played in the WNBA finals in three of the last five seasons, also got strong production from top draft pick Alexis Hornbuckle. The No. 4 selection had eight points and set a franchise record with seven steals, less than two months after helping Tennessee win the NCAA championship.

Sun 100, Dream 67

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Tamika Whitmore had 22 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Sun past the expansion Dream.

Associated Press