The Mercury rallied from a 18 point fourth quarter deficit to spoil the Sparks' home opener 85-79.

Diana Taurasi was the difference in the fourth quarter as she scored 13 of her 29 points as her team came back to take the lead. "It's either lay down or come out and try to make a little push," Taurasi said. "The fourth quarter is a long quarter, and a lot of things can happen."

The fourth quarter collapse has Lisa Leslie looking for answers. "I guess if I knew we could fix it," Leslie said. "I think we definitely have to get better with our defensive stops and putting together more stops and also executing our offense."

Leslie finished with 17 points and 15 rebounds, but was nearly shut out in the fourth quarter. Candace Parker nearly had a triple double, but was also limited in the fourth.

Cappie Pondexter nearly matched Taurasi by scoring 28 and Le'coe Willingham added 12 for the Mercury.