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.
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