Sparks help their playoff chances by downing Mystics

Dearica Hamby recorded 20 points and 12 rebounds and the Los Angeles Sparks improved their playoff chances with a pivotal 81-78 victory over the visiting Washington Mystics on Sunday night.

Kelsey Plum scored 14 of her 18 points in the final quarter as the Sparks (18-20) snapped a two-game slide. Rickea Jackson added 16 points and Azura Stevens had nine points and 12 rebounds for Los Angeles.

Kiki Iriafen registered 22 points and 13 rebounds for Washington (16-25), which lost its seventh consecutive game. Sonia Citron added 12 points, Shakira Austin had 11 and reserve Stefanie Dolson scored 10.

The Sparks are in ninth place and on the outside of the playoff chase.

Three other teams are part of the mix for the final three of the eight spots. One is the Seattle Storm, whom Los Angeles visits on Monday, and the other two were playing each other Sunday night in the Indiana Fever and Golden State Valkyries. Golden State won, 75-63.

Hamby made two free throws with 5:28 left in the game and added a jumper 37 seconds later to give the Sparks a 65-61 advantage.

Washington moved within two on Jade Melbourne's jumper before Plum drained two treys in 36 seconds to give Los Angeles a 71-65 lead with 3:31 to go.

After the Mystics cut their deficit to four, Plum made two free throws to start a 6-0 push that gave the Sparks a 77-67 lead with 1:56 remaining.

Washington threatened again and trailed 79-75 after Austin's three-pointer with 10.2 seconds left. But Plum made two free throws with 7.8 seconds to go as the Sparks escaped.

Los Angeles shot 40% from the field, including 10-of-36 from three-point range.

The Mystics made 38.9% of their attempts and were 9-of-23 from behind the arc.

The Sparks led by nine at the half and looked in good shape when they rattled off nine straight in the third quarter to hold a 52-38 lead with 3:17 left in the third quarter.

But the Mystics started whittling away and were down just 55-49 entering the fourth quarter.

Washington kept up the charge and Dolson's three-pointer gave the club a 56-55 edge with 8:21 left in the game.

Los Angeles moved back ahead but the game was tied at 61 after Citron knocked down a trey with 5:42 left.

Jackson scored 11 points and Hamby added 10 in the first half as the Sparks led 40-31 at the break.

Washington missed its first eight shots of the game as Los Angeles sped out to a 12-0 lead.