Sparks keep playoffs hopes alive

They beat the Atlanta Dream to move within half a game of eighth place and final postseason berth.

COLLEGE PARK, Ga. — Brittney Sykes scored 17 points, Nneka Ogwumike had 15 points and 10 rebounds, and the Sparks beat the Atlanta Dream 74-68 on Thursday night to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The Sparks (12-19) are in ninth place, a half-game behind the Washington Mystics for the final playoff spot. The Sparks close the regular season Sunday against Dallas. The Mystics play at New York on Friday and host Minnesota on Sunday.

Te’a Cooper scored 14 points and Nia Coffey had 10 for the Sparks.

Tiffany Hayes led Atlanta (8-23) with 25 points for her eighth 20-point game of the season. Courtney Williams had 13 points and 10 rebounds, and Odyssey Sims scored 11 points.

The Dream play WNBAleading Connecticut on Sunday to close their season.