Sparks-Fever Preview

The Los Angeles Sparks are on a roll, and eying another 2020 victory over the Indiana Fever.

The surging Sparks try to extend their season-high winning streak to four games on Saturday against the Fever at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

After alternating wins and losses through its first six contests, Los Angeles (6-3) has finally been able to string some wins together. And, the Sparks have looked good while beating Minnesota, New York and Washington by an average of 16 points over the last three games.

Riquna Williams scored 13 points off the bench to lead five players in double figures as the Sparks used a 14-0 first-quarter run to essentially put away the sagging Mystics in an 81-64 victory on Thursday. Los Angeles has four players averaging at least 11.6 points, led by superstar Candace Parker (13.4 points per game, 9.7 rebounds per game, 3.6 assists per game), and followed by Williams (12.1 ppg). Plus, 11 players scoring at least 3.6 per contest.

"We really do believe we have 12 players that, at any point in the game, can do something for us," coach Derek Fisher told the Sparks' official website.

Parker had 18 points with 11 rebounds, Chelsea Gray (11.6 ppg) scored 16 and Williams finished with 13 as Los Angeles shot 48.4 percent during an 86-75 win over Indiana on Aug. 5. The Sparks have won four in a row against the Fever (4-5), who are looking to win back-to-back games for the first time this season after Thursday's 86-79 win over New York.

Tiffany Mitchell had 19 points and Kelsey Mitchell hit a late 3-pointer to help the Fever prevail in that close contest.

"I value that experience on the floor in those difficult times and we're learning how to close out games," first-year Fever coach Marianne Stanley told the Indianapolis Star. "This year is not gonna be easy. We're going to fight for everything and we're gonna have to learn how to close out games and win games."

The Mitchells, Kelsey (19.0 ppg) and Tiffany (13.8 ppg), plus Candice Dupree (14.9 pgg), have carried the load for the fever this season. Kelsey Mitchell had 24 points and Dupree finished with 16 in that defeat to the Sparks earlier this month.

Indiana went just 5 of 18 from beyond the 3-point arc in that contest and turned the ball over 15 times in the defeat.