LOS ANGELES — The Sparks were hot early but blew an 18-point lead in a disappointing 85-80 loss to the Phoenix Mercury at Crypto.com Arena on Sunday.

Sparks guard Odyssey Sims scored 14 of her game-high 32 points in the first quarter.

However, it was a tale of two halves for the Sparks, who dropped to 2-6 overall, with their losing skid extending to three games.

“We keep saying the same things over and over,” Sims said. “We’re kind of beating a dead horse at this point but it’s going to be less talking about it and more doing it. Applying it starts in practice and transition on the court. At some point, we’ve got to see some improvement, and we’ve got to be better all around.”

The Sparks shot 36.6% in the game (26 for 71), including 22.9% from beyond the arc (8 for 35). They missed all 15 of their 3-point attempts in the second half.

“This game came down to us not shooting great,” Sparks coach Lynne Roberts said after the game.

The Sparks led 50-37 at halftime but were outscored by a 24-9 margin in the third and trailed 61-59 heading into the fourth quarter.

“We know the third quarter has been our struggle right now,” Sims continued. “So we’re going to continue to approach every game like we’ve been approaching game 1, continue to figure out what we can do. There’s not anything specifically, we just have to figure it out. Hopefully, sooner than later.”

Sims’ and-one put the Sparks back up 62-61 with 9:41 left in the fourth. Sims made two free throws to put the Sparks ahead 67-65 with 7:23 remaining.

“She’s been incredible,” said Sparks guard Kelsey Plum when asked about Sims’ impact this season. “She’s one of the fiercest competitors in the league. She plays both sides of the ball.”

Satou Sabally’s 3-pointer gave Phoenix a 70-67 lead with 6:24 left in the fourth.

Dearica Hamby’s and-one tied the game at 74 with 4:11 to go.

Back-to-back 3-pointers by Sabally and rookie guard Monique Akoa Makani gave Phoenix an 80-74 lead with 2:36 left.

Plum made four straight free throws to make it 80-78. Plum forced a jump ball with Phoenix guard Sami Whitcomb.

The Sparks regained possession down two with a minute to go. Plum missed what would have been a go-ahead 3-pointer and a potential game-tying mid-range jumper.

The Sparks retained possession and trailed 80-78 with 29.5 remaining. However, the Sparks did not get a shot off, instead turning the ball over. Phoenix rookie guard Kitija Laksa was fouled and made both free throws. The Sparks trailed 82-78 with 18.9 to go.

Sims was fouled with 14.2 seconds left. She made both free throws. The Sparks trailed 82-80.

Phoenix’s 29-year-old rookie forward Kathryn Westbeld was fouled with 9.9 seconds left and calmly made both free throws.

The Sparks trailed 84-80. Hamby was fouled with 8.5 seconds remaining and missed both free throws. Sabally made one of two free throws with 6.4 to go. Plum missed a desperation 3-pointer as time expired.

Plum and Hamby each scored 15 points.

“I just missed,” Plum explained after shooting 4 of 19 from the field, including 2 of 10 from beyond the arc. “It’s not anything that I haven’t seen all year. I feel like I didn’t have any legs.”

The Sparks’ defense stifled Phoenix in the first half, holding the road team to 28.6% shooting (10 for 35).