Los Angeles, CA -- (Sports Network) - Cappie Pondexter poured in 21 points to help Phoenix defeat Los Angeles, 104-89, and spoil Sparks forward Candace Parker's season debut.

Parker, the reigning WNBA MVP, missed the first eight games following the birth of her first child on May 13. The former Tennessee standout scored six points and grabbed four rebounds in just over 20 minutes of action for Los Angeles, which fell to 3-6 this year and suffered its first home loss in four tries.

Tina Thompson and Betty Lennox both had 17 points, while DeLisha Milton-Jones totaled 15 points and seven boards for LA.

Diana Taurasi, cited for a DUI in Phoenix early Thursday morning, finished with 20 points, six assists and five rebounds for the Mercury, who improved to 8-4. DeWanna Bonner recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds in the victory.