Silver Stars edge Mystics; Mercury Clobbers Lynx

Becky Hammon erupted in the second half while Chamique Holdsclaw had an outstanding game, helping the San Antonio Silver Stars past Washington Mystics, 79-75, Friday in Washington.

Hammon, who mostly played as a shooting guard instead of her usual point guard role, scored 16 points, all of it coming in the second half, and also dished out six assists and had six steals.

"I got a little bit more aggressive going to the basket and got myself to the free-throw line. A lot of times that's all you need, to see the ball going in the basket." Hammon said.

Holdsclaw added 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Sophia Young contributed 16 points for San Antonio.

"We are a much better team than we were earlier in the year said to the girls at the start. I feel good about tonight. I'm tired of losing close games. We found the right combinations tonight and came away with the hard-fought win." San Antonio Head Coach Sandy Brondello said.

Monique Currie had 22 points but it was not enough to lift the Mystics, which has now lost three straight and fifth of their last six games after the All-Star break.

"It's tough to lose at home, especially a game where you really felt like we had a chance to win. We just have to continue to fight and be ready to play tomorrow night." Currie said.

The defeat dropped the Mystics to a tie for third place with Connecticut in the Eastern Conference race, after being on the top of pack last week.

Meanwhile, Phoenix Mercury strengthened their grip on the second spot in the Western Conference, when they defeated the skidding Minnesota Lynx, 110-92, in Phoenix.

Penny Taylor had 22 points and seven assists, while Kara Braxton scored 20 points and grabbed six rebounds for the Mercury, which has won four of their last five games.

Candice Dupree also had an outstanding game, tallying 18 points and eight rebounds, and reigning WNBA MVP Diana Taurasi finished the game with 16 points and seven assists.

Charde Houston scored 26 points and grabbed 13 boards for the Lynx, which absorbed their fifth-straight setback.

Complete WNBA Results (Friday - July 30, 2010)

• San Antonio Silver Stars 79 - Washington Mystics 75
• Minnesota Lynx 92 - Phoenix Mercury 110