Who needs Lisa Leslie and Candace Parker? The rest of the players seem to be doing just fine.

Thanks to a 18-6 run to finish the first quarter, the Los Angeles Sparks (2-4) grabbed control early and held on to defeat division rivals Sacramento Monarchs (1-5) on Sunday night, 67-47.

With all nine players scoring and four in double figures, the Sparks’ smothering defense limited the Monarchs to just over 25 percent shooting for the game while also forcing 15 turnovers and blocking eight shots.

“We played well together,” says Sparks head coach Michael Cooper. “We’re going to get in trouble when we do try to do things on our own. This team is too good for that.”

The Sparks were led by Tina Thompson and Vanessa Hayden, who finished with 12 points apiece. Hayden also added four blocks and eight rebounds, while Betty Lennox and Marie Ferdinand-Harris both added 10 points.

The team travels to Seattle Friday to face the Storm, then returns to Staples to host the Storm Sunday.