Los Angeles, CA (AHN) - Taj McWilliams-Franklin tied her season-high with 20 points, including a pair of decisive free throws with 12.8 seconds left, leading the Los Angeles Sparks to a 74-71 win over the Houston Comets.

LaToya Thomas added 16 points, while Murriel Page chipped in with 13 points for the Sparks. Mwadi Mabika controlled the boards for L.A., hauling in nine to help the Sparks improve to 4-2.

Tina Thompson scored 16 points and Michelle Snow chipped in with 15 points and seven rebounds for the Comets (0-8), who are off to their worst start in team history. Houston's start matches Washington's futility with eight consecutive losses, though the Mystics topped Phoenix on Wednesday night for their first win.

Kiesha Brown and Iciss Tillis played their first games for the Sparks, following Monday's sudden retirement of Chamique Holdsclaw. Brown had nine points and three assists in 16 minutes, though Tillis was scoreless in three minutes.

Houston sliced their deficit to one point with 16.3 seconds remaining, but Franklin's free throws iced the outcome.