Sparks' Parker scores 34 in league debut • LOS ANGELES 99, PHOENIX 94: Candace Parker scored 34 points, the most ever in a WNBA debut, and added 12 rebounds to help the Sparks beat the defending champion Mercury in a season opener Saturday in Phoenix. The previous high in a WNBA debut was 25 points by Cynthia Cooper in 1997. Cappie Pondexter scored 32 for Phoenix but missed a potential tying three-pointer with four seconds to go.
• CONNECTICUT 104, ATLANTA 102: Tamika Whitmore's 22 points and 10 rebounds led the Sun past the expansion Atlanta Dream in Uncasville, Conn. Lindsay Whalen had 11 points and eight assists.
• SACRAMENTO 73, SAN ANTONIO 64: Adrian Williams-Strong and Nicole Powell each scored 13 points, and the host Monarchs beat the Silver Stars, who eliminated Sacramento in last season's playoffs.
• SEATTLE 67, CHICAGO 61: Lauren Jackson scored 14 for the host Storm, which rallied while holding the Sky to two field goals in the third quarter.
• DETROIT 85, HOUSTON 66: Katie Smith scored 21 points for the Shock in a home victory over the Comets. Shock No. 1 draft pick Alexis Hornbuckle set a franchise record with seven steals.
• INDIANA 64, WASHINGTON 53: Katie Douglas scored 24 points in her Indiana debut, and the Fever beat the Mystics.
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