The All-Star Holdsclaw retired on Monday at the age of 29.
Murriel Page collected 13 points for the Sparks, who held a 72-64 lead with 3:30 left before a late Houston rally.
Tina Thompson recorded 16 points and six rebounds and Michelle Snow added 15 points and seven rebounds for the Comets.
Hamchetou Maiga-Ba drained a three with 2:22 on the clock then Barbara Turner connected on a pair of free throws with 18 ticks left, drawing Houston within 72-69. Turner then converted a layup to cut the deficit to 72-71 with 16 seconds left.
McWilliams-Franklin made two free throws with 12 seconds left and Roneeka Hodges missed a game-tying three with one tick remaining.
