Storm vs. Sparks Final Score: Candace Parker leads L.A. to a road victory, 80-69

Candace Parker led all Sparks players with 18 points, and Alana Beard also added 17 more. Kristi Toliver and Jantel Lavender also scored in double figures. Nneka Ogwumike suffered a back injury and did not play in the second half.

Meanwhile for Seattle, this was Sue Bird's first WNBA game in two seasons and she had an off night. She had seven points on 2-of-8 shooting, and had five turnovers. Jenna O'Hea led the green and gold in scoring with 12 points, and Crystal Langhorne had 6 points and 9 rebounds. 

The key stat in this game was turnovers. 14 first half turnovers for the Storm which turned into 19 Sparks points. Eight of those turnovers were by Bird and Camille Little. That's not good. Seattle ended up with 19 overall for the game.

Both teams won't have much time to dwell or celebrate on this result. By coincidence, both the Storm and Sparks play the Phoenix Mercury in their next contests. Seattle plays Phoenix on the road Saturday at 10 p.m. ET, and L.A. hosts Phoenix on Sunday at 9 p.m. ET.