Seattle Prevails as Push for Playoffs Continues

Sue Bird scored 22 points on nine-of-14 shooting as the Seattle Storm defeated the visiting Minnesota Lynx, 75-63, before a crowd of 9,686

The Storm (14-13) won its season-best fourth in a row and also pulled within one game of the final Western Conference playoff spot behind the Portland Fire.

Minnesota (7-19) dropped its franchise-record 12th consecutive road game as Katie Smith struggled again. Smith had 13 points but made only three of 13 field goals. She tied a career low Monday with two points, shooting only one of 15 from the field in a loss at Phoenix.

Utah 81, Miami 76-- Marie Ferdinand scored 22 points--eight in overtime--as the Starzz (18-8) defeated the Sol (12-15) before 8,021 at Salt Lake City.

The Starzz played without center Margo Dydek, suspended by the WNBA for one game after exceeding four flagrant foul penalty points this season.

Indiana 58, Phoenix 56--Monica Maxwell made a 15-foot baseline jumper with 1.9 seconds left to lift the Fever (11-15) past the Mercury (9-17) before 10,100 at Phoenix.

Indiana is two games out of a playoff spot with six games remaining.

Tamika Catchings had 22 points, six rebounds and six assists, including one on the final basket after drawing the defense in the final possession for Indiana.

Jennifer Gillom had 15 points for Phoenix.