Phoenix ends seven-game losing streak by beating the Sparks 81-74

Phoenix Mercury #4 Skylar Diggins-Smith (G) is driving past Sparks' defenders and going to the basket for a layup. Photo by Jared Dubose/TGSportstv1.

PHOENIX, AZ - The Phoenix Mercury (3-8) ended their seven-game losing streak by beating the Los Angeles Sparks (5-7), 84-71, with a strong performance by Skylar Diggins-Smith with 29-points and Diana Taurasi with 19-points.

Nneka Ogwumike led the Sparks in scoring with 19-points, Brittney Sykes with 14-points, and Chennedy Carter with 10-points.

Both teams didn't do a great job of taking care of the basketball, the Sparks committed 17 turnovers, and the Mercury had 16 turnovers.

The Mercury led 12-9 in the first quarter with a jump shot by Diana Taurasi. The Sparks got their first lead of the game, 18-17, with a jump shot by Olivia Nelson-Ododa.

Skylar Diggins-Smith gave Phoenix a five-point lead in the second quarter, 27-22, with her jump shot. The Mercury led 35-28 with a three-pointer by Diamond DeShields with 6:08 before halftime.

Los Angeles Sparks #15 Brittney Sykes (G) shooting a jump shot over the Phoenix Mercury #1 Diamond DeShields (G). Photo by Jared Dubose/TGSportstv1.

Brittney Sykes' jump shot had the Sparks trailing 37-36 with 2:26 left before halftime. The Sparks trail the Mercury at halftime 43-40.

The Sparks regained the lead 46-45 in the third quarter with a jump shot by Liz Canbage. Phoenix would take the lead back 52-50 with a three-pointer by Shey Peddy.

The Sparks would reclaim the lead 54-52 with a driving layup by Chennedy Carter. Taurasi's three-point shot had the Mercury leading 59-58 at the end of the third quarter.

Phoenix Mercury #3 Diana Taurasi (G) is being guarded by Los Angeles Sparks #15 Brittney Sykes (G). Photo by Jared Dubose/TGSportstv1.

Phoenix led in the fourth quarter, 64-63, with a three-pointer by Diggins-Smith. Chiney Ogwumike tied the game 66-66 with her driving layup.

Chiney Ogwumike would tip in a shot that had the Sparks down by two points, 73-71. Diggins-Smith would make two free throws to give the Mercury a 75-71 lead.

Lexi Brown would knock down a three-point shot as the Sparks now trail 79-74. Diggins-Smith's layup at the end of the game made the final score 81-74