On Sunday, Aug. 31, the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Washington Mystics, 81-78, at home. The Sparks kept their fight for a spot in the playoffs alive whereas the Mystics were eliminated from playoff contention after Saturday’s loss. The Sparks started strong in the first quarter, putting up 12 points before the Mystics scored their first. The Mystics managed to catch up and tied the game at 22-22 with seven minutes left in the second quarter. Azurá Stevens tied Hamby for rebounds and scored nine points.