Phoenix, AZ -- (Sports Network) - Candace Parker shined in her debut as she poured in a game-high 34 points as the Los Angeles Sparks grabbed a 99-94 win over the defending WNBA champion Phoenix Mercury in the season opener for both clubs.

Three-time MVP Lisa Leslie returned from her year off after having a child and tallied 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Sparks, who finished last season with the worst record in the WNBA.

Parker, the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft after leading Tennessee to a second straight NCAA title, shot 12-of-19 from the floor and added 12 rebounds and eight assists.

Cappie Pondexter had a team-high 32 points and seven assists while Diana Taurasi added 24 points for the Mercury.