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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 4:48 a.m., Wednesday, June 25, 2008

WNBA: Parker dunks again in Sparks win

Associated Press

Hawaii news photo - The Honolulu Advertiser

Los Angeles Sparks' Candace Parker, right, is congratulated by teammate Lisa Leslie after dunking during the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

CHRIS PIZZELLO | Associated Press

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LOS ANGELES — Candace Parker dunked for the second consecutive game and had 22 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a 76-62 victory over the Seattle Storm last night.

"Candace is definitely improving every single game," the Sparks' Lisa Leslie said. "It has taken her a while to make the adjustment, but her work ethic is definitely improving day by day, and it's part of our responsibility to make sure she gets that in practice."

DeLisha Milton-Jones added 19 points and Marie Ferdinand-Harris had 16 points for the Sparks (10-3), who have won six of seven.

Sue Bird scored 11 points for the Storm (8-7), who have lost four of five. Lauren Jackson, Swin Cash and Tanisha Wright added 10 points apiece.

Parker dunked with her right hand with 57 seconds left to play after making a steal and dribbling the length of the court. Parker had her first pro dunk Sunday against Indiana.

"I had the opportunity to play with the national team in college, which helped me," Parker said of her transition to the WNBA. "Now, it's just getting adjusted to the schedule and taking care of your body; Lisa and DeLisha stay on me about lifting."

Parker flew to New York following Sunday night's game to receive the Honda-Broderick Cup as the nation's top female college athlete. Then she flew back to Los Angeles on Monday night.

Parker had three points and a block during a 5-0 spurt that gave Los Angeles a 35-33 halftime lead.

Ferdinand-Harris and Parker then combined for 17 points in the third quarter, with Ferdinand-Harris scoring nine, to extend the Sparks' lead to 57-43. The Storm scored only two points in the final 4:26 of the third quarter.