Dearica Hamby recorded 20 points and 12 rebounds and the Los Angeles Sparks improved their playoff chances with a pivotal 81-78 victory over the visiting Washington Mystics on Sunday night.

Kelsey Plum scored 14 of her 18 points in the final quarter as the Sparks (18-20) snapped a two-game slide. Rickea Jackson added 16 points and Azura Stevens had nine points and 12 rebounds for Los Angeles.

Kiki Iriafen registered 22 points and 13 rebounds for Washington (16-25), which lost its seventh consecutive game. Sonia Citron added 12 points, Shakira Austin had 11 and reserve Stefanie Dolson scored 10.

The Sparks are in ninth place and on the outside of the playoff chase.

Three other teams are part of the mix for the final three of the eight spots. One is the Seattle Storm, whom Los Angeles vi

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