Sparks Edge Mercury in Thrilling WNBA Matchup
Thursday, May 21, 2026, 10:00 PM ET · Mortgage Matchup Center
Los Angeles Sparks 97, Phoenix Mercury 88, final. Our WNBA picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Los Angeles Sparks vs Phoenix Mercury?
Los Angeles Sparks beat Phoenix Mercury 97-88 at Mortgage Matchup Center on May 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Los Angeles Sparks vs Phoenix Mercury?
Phoenix Mercury were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The underdog won.
In a closely contested WNBA matchup, the Los Angeles Sparks defeated the Phoenix Mercury 97-88 at the Mortgage Matchup Center. This victory allowed the Sparks to take a 3-2 lead in the season series, which is now tied at 2-2 overall in their recent meetings. The game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, with the Sparks looking to improve their record while the Mercury aimed to bounce back from a tough recent stretch.
Both teams entered the game with similar records, as the Mercury stood at 2-4 while the Sparks were slightly better at 2-3. The Mercury had a recent record of 4-6 over their last ten games, but they were on a one-game losing streak after falling to the Toronto Tempo 90-98 in their last outing. They averaged 88.9 points scored per game while allowing 87.2 points during this stretch. At home, the Mercury had a record of 3-4, which included a mix of impressive wins and disappointing losses.
The Sparks, on the other hand, had a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, also on a one-game losing streak after losing to the Toronto Tempo 96-106. They scored an average of 86.4 points while allowing 89.8 points per game in that span. Their away record stood at 2-1, reflecting a stronger performance on the road compared to their home games.
In terms of previous meetings, the Mercury had won three of their last four encounters against the Sparks, including a victory earlier in the season. However, the Sparks' win in this matchup could signal a shift in momentum as they continue to battle for playoff positioning.
Injuries played a significant role in the game, particularly for the Mercury, who were missing several key players. Kelsey Plum, Kahleah Copper, Valeriane Ayayi, Kyara Linskens, and Jovana Nogic were all out for the game, impacting the Mercury's depth and overall performance. The Sparks also faced injury challenges, with Aaliyah Nye unavailable for this matchup.
The betting market reflected a competitive matchup, with DraftKings listing the Mercury as 2.5-point favorites, with a total set at 178.5 points. The odds indicated a closely contested game, with both teams having the potential to score heavily.
As the game unfolded, the Sparks took control in the fourth quarter, highlighted by key plays from their star players. DeWanna Bonner made a crucial layup, and Erica Wheeler hit a long three-pointer, extending the Sparks' lead. Despite a late push from the Mercury, including free throws from Kahleah Copper, they could not close the gap, ultimately falling short.
The conditions in the arena were conducive to an exciting atmosphere, with fans witnessing a high-scoring affair. Viewers were treated to a showcase of talent, with both teams displaying their offensive capabilities despite the absence of several key players.
Overall, the Sparks' victory not only improved their record but also showcased their resilience in overcoming injuries and a challenging matchup. The Mercury, while disappointed with the loss, will need to regroup and address their injury situation as they look to bounce back in their next game.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | PHX -2.5 | 178.5 o -105 / u -115 | Los Angeles Sparks +120 · Phoenix Mercury -142 |
Injury report
- Kelsey PlumOutLower LegPhoenix Mercury
- Kahleah CopperOutAnklePhoenix Mercury
- Valeriane AyayiOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Kyara LinskensOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Jovana NogicOutNot Injury RelatedPhoenix Mercury
- Aaliyah NyeOutNot Injury RelatedLos Angeles Sparks
Leaders
- PointsAlyssa Thomas23Phoenix Mercury
- AssistsAlyssa Thomas7Phoenix Mercury
- ReboundsNatasha Mack9Phoenix Mercury
- PointsDearica Hamby27Los Angeles Sparks
- AssistsKelsey Plum7Los Angeles Sparks
- ReboundsDearica Hamby15Los Angeles Sparks
Recent form
Phoenix Mercury
Last 10: 4-6Streak L188.9 scored · 87.2 allowed per game3-4 at home
- L90-98vs Toronto TempoMay 20
- W91-83vs Chicago SkyMay 16
- L84-88vs Minnesota LynxMay 13
- L79-95at Golden State ValkyriesMay 11
- W99-66at Las Vegas AcesMay 9
- W86-60vs JAPANApr 30
- W108-104vs Chicago SkyApr 25
- L86-97vs Las Vegas AcesOct 11
- L88-90vs Las Vegas AcesOct 9
- L78-91at Las Vegas AcesOct 5
Los Angeles Sparks
Last 10: 5-5Streak L186.4 scored · 89.8 allowed per game2-1 away
- L96-106vs Toronto TempoMay 17
- W99-95vs Toronto TempoMay 16
- L78-87vs Indiana FeverMay 14
- L78-105vs Las Vegas AcesMay 10
- W85-75at Portland FireMay 3
- W89-63vs NIGERIAApr 25
- L75-103vs Las Vegas AcesSep 12
- W88-83at Phoenix MercurySep 10
- W91-77vs Dallas WingsSep 7
- L85-104at Atlanta DreamSep 5
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | - | 9 | L2 | .775 | 31 |
| Golden State | 2 | 11 | W4 | .725 | 29 |
| Las Vegas | 4 | 13 | W3 | .675 | 27 |
| Dallas | 7 | 16 | W4 | .600 | 24 |
| Portland | 15 | 24 | L1 | .400 | 16 |
| Los Angeles | 16 | 25 | W2 | .375 | 15 |
| Phoenix | 17 | 26 | W1 | .350 | 14 |
| Seattle | 23 | 32 | L1 | .200 | 8 |
Box score
| Stat | Los Angeles Sparks | Phoenix Mercury |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-64 | 29-69 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 42 |
| Three-pointers | 15-32 | 8-25 |
| Three-point % | 47 | 32 |
| Free throws | 20-22 | 22-29 |
| Free throw % | 91 | 76 |
| Rebounds | 31 | 33 |
| Offensive rebounds | 7 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 24 | 22 |
| Assists | 23 | 17 |
| Steals | 8 | 9 |
| Blocks | 4 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 17 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 1 |
| Points off turnovers | 18 | 19 |
| Fast-break points | 5 | 9 |
| Points in the paint | 26 | 40 |
| Fouls | 25 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 21 | 2 |
| Lead changes | 11 | 11 |
| Time in front | 91 | 7 |
How the scoring went
- 3rd Quarter69-52Jovana Nogic makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter69-53Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter69-54Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter69-56Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter69-57Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter69-58Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter69-59Alyssa Thomas makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter72-59Rae Burrell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kelsey Plum assists)
- 3rd Quarter73-59Dearica Hamby makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter74-59Dearica Hamby makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter74-60DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 1 of 2
- 3rd Quarter74-61DeWanna Bonner makes free throw 2 of 2
- 3rd Quarter76-61Dearica Hamby makes tip shot
- 3rd Quarter77-61Dearica Hamby makes free throw 1 of 1
- 3rd Quarter77-63Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup (Jovana Nogic assists)
- 3rd Quarter77-66Jovana Nogic makes 23-foot running jump shot (Kahleah Copper assists)
- 3rd Quarter79-66Dearica Hamby makes driving layup (Nneka Ogwumike assists)
- 3rd Quarter79-68Alyssa Thomas makes driving layup
- 3rd Quarter79-70Kahleah Copper makes 12-foot pullup jump shot
- 3rd Quarter82-70Dearica Hamby makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kelsey Plum assists)
- 4th Quarter82-71Natasha Mack makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter82-72Natasha Mack makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter84-72Dearica Hamby makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter86-72Kelsey Plum makes 17-foot pullup jump shot (Dearica Hamby assists)
- 4th Quarter86-74Alyssa Thomas makes running layup
- 4th Quarter87-74Cameron Brink makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter88-74Cameron Brink makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter88-76Natasha Mack makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Noemie Brochant assists)
- 4th Quarter90-76Nneka Ogwumike makes 5-foot two point shot (Erica Wheeler assists)
- 4th Quarter90-78Natasha Mack makes 2-foot layup (Kahleah Copper assists)
- 4th Quarter92-78Rae Burrell makes driving layup
- 4th Quarter92-81Kahleah Copper makes 26-foot three point jumper (Natasha Mack assists)
- 4th Quarter92-83DeWanna Bonner makes running layup (Jovana Nogic assists)
- 4th Quarter95-83Erica Wheeler makes 24-foot three point jumper (Kelsey Plum assists)
- 4th Quarter95-85Alyssa Thomas makes two point shot
- 4th Quarter96-85Dearica Hamby makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-85Dearica Hamby makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-86Kahleah Copper makes free throw 1 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-87Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
- 4th Quarter97-88Kahleah Copper makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours Phoenix Mercury, below favours Los Angeles Sparks.
Venue
- Mortgage Matchup CenterPhoenix, AZ
- Attendance10953
- OfficialsGina Cross, Jason Alabanza, Catherine Chang
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WNBA rules and settlement
These two, other days
- Phoenix Mercury Defeats Los Angeles Sparks 94-87Aug 11, 2026
- Mercury Edge Sparks in Close ContestJul 22, 2026
- Sparks Edge Mercury in Overtime ThrillerJun 13, 2026
- Sparks Edge Mercury in Thrilling WNBA ClashSep 9, 2025