A shutdown fourth quarter defense and a Candace Parker’s double-double helped the Los Angeles Sparks end their seven-game road trip on a positive note over the weekend, as they defeated the Sacramento Monarchs, 59-56, Saturday. The Sparks (6-10, 3-9 on the road), who have not played at Staples Center since July 5, finished the road trip with a 3-4 mark.

Parker steadied the Sparks with 13 points and 12 rebounds, while DeLisha Milton-Jones added 13 points and Tina Thompson scored 10. Saturday’s game concluded an exhaustive start of the season, where the Sparks played 12 of their first 16 games away from Staples Center.

The Sparks have four home games coming up. They host the Seattle Storm Aug. 6, Indiana Fever Aug. 10, New York Liberty Aug. 11 and Sacramento Monarchs Aug. 14.



All stats as of Aug. 3.