Candace Parker misses Sparks game
By: BETH HARRIS
Associated Press
08/28/09 2:54 PM EDT
LOS ANGELES — Sparks starting forward Candace Parker didn't play against the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night because of undisclosed personal reasons.
A team spokeswoman said before the game that Parker was not at Staples Center. She had 21 points and eight rebounds in a 75-63 victory Tuesday against Chicago.
Sparks co-owner Kathy Goodman said Parker would return to practice on Friday and that she would "definitely" play Sunday against Connecticut. Goodman said Parker asked the team not to disclose any details about her absence, but she said the Olympian wasn't injured.
Parker leads the WNBA with nine double-doubles this season.
She rejoined the team in July after giving birth to her first child in mid-May, and had started 18 of 19 games since her return. Parker is married to Shelden Williams, who signed a free agent contract with the Boston Celtics earlier this month.
The Sparks also were without starting guard Kristi Harrower, who missed the first of three games to return to Australia for her grandmother's funeral.
Betty Lennox and Noelle Quinn started in place of Parker and Harrower.
