PHOENIX -- Facing a short-handed Los Angeles Sparks team playing for the second straight night, the Phoenix Mercury needed a half to get going before cruising to their 16th straight victory.
Diana Taurasi had 17 points and four assists as Phoenix beat Los Angeles 90-69 on Tuesday night, giving the Mercury the second-longest winning streak in league history. Phoenix (22-3) passed the Houston Comets' 15-game run in 1998 and moved two games shy of the WNBA mark of 18 straight by Los Angeles in 2001.
The Mercury also won their 11th straight at home, tying a franchise mark set in 1999.
Los Angeles played for the second consecutive game without leading scorer Candace Parker, who remained in California nursing a left knee strain. Despite her absence, the Sparks led by five in the first half and trailed by just three at the break.
"When their best player, you know that she's out, it's just a natural thing to take your foot off the pedal," Mercury coach Sandy Brondello said. "I've seen it happen so much as a player, and obviously coaching experiences all around the world. So we didn't have the right energy coming out."
Candice Dupree had 16 points and nine rebounds while Brittney Griner added 14 points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots for the Mercury. Taurasi and Griner both sat out the fourth quarter.
"We kept ourselves down for 20 minutes but we got going again, that's the main thing, as long as we can change it within the game," Brondello said.
Nneka Ogwumike had 18 points and nine rebounds for the Sparks (12-15), who are now 2-3 since general manager Penny Toler took over as coach during the All-Star break. Los Angeles has lost four of six overall.
Kristi Tolliver added 14 points and seven assists for the Sparks, who kept it close for more than a half.
"Whenever a team comes in without their best player, other players pick up the slack and do a little bit more," Taurasi said. "They showed what kind of team they are. They have a lot of heart and a lot of character, and they played really well for most of the game."