Washington, DC -- (Sports Network) - Alana Beard poured in a game-high 26 points on 11-of-24 shooting to lead Washington in a 75-63 defeat of Los Angeles.

Chasity Melvin chipped in 14 points and Lindsey Harding 11 with five rebounds and as many assists for the Mystics, who snapped a two-game slide and won for just the second time in six games following a 4-1 start to the year.

Shannon Bobbitt and Betty Lennox had 10 points apiece for the Sparks, who had won two of three.

Reigning league MVP Candace Parker, still trying to regain her form following the birth of her daughter, was just 1-of-5 from the field in a little over 23 minutes of court time for LA. Three-time WNBA MVP Lisa Leslie remains out with a knee injury.

Washington held a 38-24 advantage at the break and LA cut it to five, 51-46, after three quarters but the hosts put the game away with an efficient fourth quarter.