LAS VEGAS (Interstat) — Dearica Hamby scored 27 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a 97-88 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night at Michelob Ultra Arena.

Hamby, a forward from Marietta, Georgia, also had three assists. Kelsey Plum added 16 points and seven assists, while Cameron Brink contributed 12 points, five rebounds and three blocks. Nneka Ogwumike scored 12 points for the Sparks, who improved to 2-3.

Alyssa Thomas led Phoenix with 23 points, seven rebounds and seven assists. Kahleah Copper added 22 points, and Jovana Nogic scored 15 for the Mercury, who fell to 2-4.

Los Angeles outscored Phoenix 35-19 in the second quarter to build a 60-43 halftime lead. The Mercury cut into the deficit in the third quarter, but the Sparks held on down the stretch. Attendance was 10,953.