Execution, intensity, and pacing defined Tuesday’s matchup at Crypto.com Arena, where the Sparks ( 17-19 ) faced the Phoenix Mercury (23-14) in their third meeting of the season, with the Sparks losing for the third time to the Mercury, 92-84 .

Before the game, Sparks coach Lynne Roberts emphasized the importance of focus on both ends of the floor.

“For us offensively, it’s going to come down to pace and being willing to execute,” Roberts said. “You have to execute with intensity and intention.”

With 40.5 seconds left in the third quarter, things got chippy on the court when Rickea Jackson slipped and limped off, sidelined for the remainder of the quarter.

Sparks forward Dearica Hamby’s scoring run early in the second quarter helped the Sparks briefly take the lead. After knockin

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