A day to celebrate last year’s triumphant finish was spoiled by a historic debut. Playing at home for the first time since winning the 2007 WNBA title on the road, the Mercury commemorated their championship with an emotional ring presentation and banner unveiling before Saturday’s season opener.

SLIDESHOW: See photos from the Mercury vs. Sparks game

After tipoff, though, the spotlight was stolen by Los Angeles Sparks rookie forward Candace Parker.

Parker, the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft, scored a WNBA debut-record 34 points and finished two assists shy of the sixth triple-double in league history in leading Los Angeles to a 99-94 victory at US Airways Center.

“When you have a 6-4 player who can do a lot, it’s tough,” said guard Diana Taurasi, who had 24 points for Phoenix. “But that was the first time we saw her. I’m sure we’ll have a little bit different preparation next time.”

Fourteen of Parker’s points came in the fourth quarter, and she was also responsible for four of the Sparks’ final five points, which sealed the win.

“Obviously (my debut) was better than I expected,” said Parker, who finished with 12 rebounds and eight assists. “Coming out I just wanted to play hard. I was a little nervous. My teammates did a good job of just keeping me in it mentally.”

Los Angeles coach Michael Cooper likened Parker to Magic Johnson.

“He came in and became a legend,” Cooper said. “I think she’s going to do that on the women’s side.”

Parker’s performance spoiled a 32-point game by Mercury guard Cappie Pondexter, who flew into Phoenix less than 24 hours before Saturday’s tip.

The MVP of last year’s finals, who is coming off a title run in Turkey, was working on only three hours of sleep after arriving Friday evening.

“I really didn’t try to think about me being tired because I didn’t want that to play in my mind,” said Pondexter, who was 11-of-27 from the field and also had seven assists. “I got kind of fatigued in the third quarter … but other than that, I felt fine.”

After Phoenix trailed for most of the fourth, Pondexter had a shot to tie the game at 97-all late, but her 3-pointer with 5.8 seconds was off the mark.

Believing she was hit on the arm twice on the shot, Pondexter “said some things” to the officials and received a technical.

Murriel Page hit the free throw, and Parker followed by sinking one of two to end the game.

Sparks center Lisa Leslie finished with 17 points and 12 rebounds in her return to the league (she was on maternity leave last season).

Mercury center Tangela Smith contributed 12 points and seven rebounds.

Corey Gaines, making his debut as Mercury head coach, said he was pleased with the effort despite the outcome, especially considering Pondexter missed all of training camp and Taurasi was there for only one practice.

“They played hard. I can’t ask for more,” he said. “Cappie just flew in and Dee just flew in. We haven’t practiced together yet. I was happy.”