LOS ANGELES, June 30 (Ticker) -- The Los Angeles Sparks got back on track - barely.

Despite nearly squandering a double-digit lead in the final two minutes, the Sparks held on for an 85-83 triumph over the Phoenix Mercury.

Los Angeles appeared as if it would cruise to victory Friday after having its eight-game winning streak snapped two days earlier in a 75-67 setback against Seattle. The Sparks led this one, 52-41, midway through the third quarter and held a seemingly comfortable 83-73 cushion with 1:59 to play in the fourth.

But the Mercury, who had won six of nine, kept plugging away. They closed to within 83-80 on a 3-pointer by Diana Taurasi with seven-tenths of a second left but were unable to commit a foul on the inbounds pass.

Los Angeles was led by Chamique Holdsclaw's 18 points on 6-of-13 shooting. Lisa Leslie added 16 points, Mwadi Mabika 13 and Lisa Willis 10 for the Sparks, who shot only 37 percent (25-of-67) from the field.

Cappie Pondexter scored 21 points and Diana Taurasi contributed 19 for Phoenix, which shot 39 percent (23-of-59) and committed 20 turnovers.

Next Games: The Los Angeles Sparks host the Washington Mystics on Saturday, July 1 at 10:30 p.m. ET and the Phoenix Mercury host the Mystics the following day, Sunday, July 2 at 6 p.m. ET.