The Sparks hit 7 of their first 10 shots while grabbing the game’s first five rebounds, and ran out to a quick 20-12 lead in Chicago.
Los Angeles +4 and over 145 looked to be solid forecasts, but playing back-to-back road games caught up immediately to Los Angeles — Chicago won the rest of the quarter 7-2, then won each successive quarter 21-11, 18-15, 18-17.
The Sparks shot 18-of-64 after their fast start, even though they grabbed 17 offensive rebounds.
All-Star Jia Perkins led Chicago with 18 points. Shyra Ely had 16 off the bench.
It was the 11th under for Los Angeles, most in the league, though the Sparks played most of the first half without league MVP Candace Parker, who was one point shy of a second double-double for Los Angeles.
