Candace Parker showed why many are picking her team to win it all and why the Sparks may have turned down trade offers for multiple All-Stars for the rookie sensation Parker nearly had a triple double as L.A. held off Diana Taurasi, Cappie Pondexter and the Mercury in an entertaining 99-94 win.

As L.A. Times columnist Kurt Streeter writes - "How many times can you write the words fantastic, superb and perfect?"

For the Mercury, the team stayed close with their trademark syle of play and a a gutsy performance from Cappie Pondexter who scored 32 points after just arriving from Turkey. But Pondexter also picked up a late game technical foul that helped the Sparks seal the victory.

Despite the loss, Corey Gaines was pleased with the effort from his team. “They played hard. I can’t ask for more,” he said. “Cappie just flew in and Dee just flew in. We haven’t practiced together yet. I was happy.”