Departing Stepanova Leads Phoenix

Maria Stepanova and Anna DeForge each scored 14 points Tuesday night at Phoenix and the host Mercury defeated Detroit, 58-51, ending the Shock’s four-game winning streak.

Despite being outrebounded 38-28, the Mercury remained in sole possession of the fourth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference.

Detroit made four of 31 shots from the field in the second half after leading by as many as 10 points in the first 20 minutes.

Diana Taurasi, Phoenix’s leading scorer, was held scoreless for only the second time in her career and the first time this season. She was 0 for 5 from the field and played in foul trouble much of the night.

Stepanova had four rebounds and four blocked shots.

The Mercury announced before the game that Stepanova, who entered the game averaging 10.6 points and a WNBA-leading 2.4 blocks, was scheduled to leave the team today to rejoin the Russian national team.

New York 72, Washington 66 -- Vickie Johnson, Cathrine Kraayeveld and Becky Hammon made two free throws apiece in the final 25 seconds to lead the host Liberty to its season-high fourth consecutive victory.

Chasity Melvin’s layup with 44 seconds left gave Washington a 66-64 lead before the Liberty closed with an 8-0 run.

The Mystics lost their third game in a row despite shooting 58%.

Minnesota 73, Houston 62 -- Chandi Jones scored a career-high 17 points, and the Lynx hung on at home.

Houston, which has lost four in a row on the road, went on a 9-0 run, seven scored by Sheryl Swoopes, to cut the deficit to two points. Two free throws by Swoopes gave the Comets a 57-56 advantage with 6:28 left, but a layup, short hook and two free throws by Ohlde put Minnesota ahead, 64-60, with 4:19 left.