The return of Lisa Leslie and the arrival of Candace Parker helped the Los Angeles Sparks bounce back from the worst season in franchise history with a dominant start in 2008.

After having that strong start offset by a three-game losing streak at home, the Sparks turned to a familiar formula to snap the skid.

Leslie and Parker hope to build on big offensive performances as the Sparks close a seven-game homestand Wednesday night against the Houston Comets.

Leslie sat out all of the 2007 season while on maternity leave. Without the three-time league MVP, the Sparks limped to a franchise-worst 10-24 finish, helping them win the WNBA lottery and a chance to select Parker - a college standout at Tennessee last year - with the first overall pick.

With Leslie and Parker leading one of the most productive frontcourts in the league, the Sparks (11-6) won eight of their first 10 games. They went on to lose four of their next six, including three straight at Staples Center, but bounced back with a 91-80 victory over defending league champion Phoenix on Sunday.

Leslie had 25 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists and Parker added 31 points and 10 rebounds as Los Angeles exceeded its win total from 2007.

"I'm really excited about how we were able to get easy buckets and move the ball better," said Parker, who's in the league's top 10 in scoring (17.7 points per game) and rebounding (9.2). "Our transition basketball was better. We were getting out early, running and getting in position on the defensive end."

The Sparks may need a similar performance to stop the Comets (9-10), who have won eight of 11 since their 1-7 start.

Houston's resurgence, however, was slowed with a 99-94 loss to Phoenix on Tuesday. The Comets, who led by as many as 14, were outscored 31-20 in the fourth quarter in falling to 3-8 on the road.

Though Comets forward Tina Thompson was held to four points in the second half, she finished with 23 points and went 4-for-8 from 3-point range for her second strong performance since returning from a four-game absence due to a fractured left ring finger. She's averaged 21.0 points while shooting 17-for-37 (45.9 percent) from the field and 7-for-13 (53.8) from beyond the arc in her last two games.

Houston, the only team Parker hasn't faced yet, won three of its four games against Los Angeles in 2007. These clubs meet again in Houston on July 19 and Sept. 6.