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Sparks-Mystics Preview

Jun 23, 2010 - 5:43 PM By ANTHONY GIORNALISTA STATS Senior Writer

Los Angeles (3-8) at Washington (7-4), 7:00 p.m. EDT

Strong play defensively has the Washington Mystics surging again.

After overcoming a terrible shooting performance, the Mystics look to win four straight for the first time in nearly three years as they host the Los Angeles Sparks on Thursday night.

Despite shooting a season-low 33.8 percent, Washington (7-4) rallied to beat Chicago 65-61 on Saturday.

The Mystics have won four of five, holding opponents under 70 points three times. They're ranked second in the league in scoring defense, surrendering 72.7 points a contest.

That success has helped put Washington in position for its longest winning streak since August 2007.

Katie Smith scored five of her season-best 17 points in OT versus the Sky, helping Washington match its longest run of the year. Smith is 6 for 9 from 3-point range over her last three games.

Mystics forward Monique Currie is shooting 50.0 percent (15 for 30) from beyond the arc this season, and leads the team with 16.8 points per game.

Washington has relied on players such as Smith and Currie while it waits for first-round pick Jacinta Monroe to develop. Monroe, though, has undergone surgery to repair and broken left hand and will have to wait at least six weeks for a shot at a bigger role.

Monroe, drafted No. 6 overall from Florida State, was injured in the first half against the Sky. The forward had a tough time becoming a major part of the rotation after missing the first two games with an ankle injury, averaging 2.0 points and 7.3 minutes.

"It is very unfortunate that Jacinta has suffered this injury at this time," general manager Angela Taylor said. "After missing all of training camp, she was starting to adjust to playing in the WNBA and was making a number of very positive contributions to our team."

Los Angeles lost 78-75 to Connecticut on Friday in its first game without leading scorer Candace Parker, who suffered a dislocated left shoulder against Minnesota on June 13 that will keep her out for the rest of the season. The third-year forward was averaging 20.6 points and 10.1 rebounds.

Parker had 30 points and 10 rebounds to help Los Angeles beat Washington 81-75 on May 29, giving the Sparks their first victory after an 0-3 start.

Parker has been placed on the injured list, but coach Jennifer Gillom said the league's salary cap limits the options for replacing her.

"We'll either have to trade a player or cut a player," Gillom said. "We just can't add a player. We have to get rid of a player to get a player."

Marie Ferdinand-Harris is replacing Parker in the lineup, and scored 16 in her first start of the season.