Storm take 4th win in 6 games

PHOENIX – Tameka Johnson had 23 points and three assists to lead the Seattle Storm past the Phoenix Mercury 81-73 on Friday night.

Tina Thompson added 18 points and seven rebounds for Seattle (13-13), which has won all four meetings with Phoenix (14-13) this season and has won four of the past five overall.

Candice Dupree had 17 points while Diana Taurasi added 16 points and seven assists for the Mercury, who lost for just the second time in six games under interim head coach Russ Pennell.

No. 1 draft pick Brittney Griner had 12 points and five rebounds for the Mercury.

With the win, the Storm moved within a half-game of Phoenix for third in the Western Conference with eight games to play.