Taurasi’s return is triumphant
Diana Taurasi was all business in her return to Connecticut.
The former UConn star scored 26 points to lead the Phoenix Mercury to a 65-58 win over the Connecticut Sun in her second pro game and first in the state where she led the Huskies to three straight NCAA titles.
Taurasi drew a standing ovation during introductions from the sellout crowd of 9,341 at Uncasville, Conn. Dozens of fans wore her familiar UConn jersey and there were countless signs welcoming her back. Despite wearing the opponent’s colors, she drew cheers each time she scored en route to spoiling the Sun’s season opener.
It was the first win for Phoenix (1-1), which selected Taurasi with the first pick in the WNBA draft last month. Anna DeForge added 17 points and had six assists for the Mercury. DeForge and Penny Taylor controlled the boards with seven rebounds each.
Storm 93, Sparks 67: At Seattle, Betty Lennox scored 20 points and Seattle tied a franchise high for points in its win over Los Angeles.
Lennox, who came to Seattle from the Cleveland Rockers in the dispersal draft, sparked the Storm’s 10-2 run early in the second half. Later, she hit a 3-pointer with 12 minutes left to make it 57-44 and Seattle cruised from there.
The Storm (2-0) also scored 93 points last season against San Antonio.
Sting 71, Mystics 68: At Washington, Allison Feaster made a 17-foot jumper with 1:08 remaining to put Charlotte ahead and the Sting went on to beat Washington.
Feaster scored 15 points on 4-of-8 shooting, and was one of five Charlotte players in double figures.
Mystics rookie Alana Beard hit just 3 for 10 from the floor to finish with 10 points in her WNBA debut.
Lynx 69, Monarchs 61: At Sacramento, Calif., Katie Smith scored 20 of her 22 points in the second half, helping Minnesota to a victory over Sacramento.
DeMya Walker scored 19 points for Sacramento, which drew 17,317 for its home opener. Yolanda Griffith added 13 points for the Monarchs.
Shock 73, Silver Stars 60: At San Antonio, Cheryl Ford had career highs with 21 points and 22 rebounds and defending WNBA champion Detroit opened its season with a win over San Antonio.
Swin Cash finished with 14 points, 12 in the second half, and Deanna Nolan scored 13 and had a career-high nine assists for Detroit.
Shock to visit the White House
The Detroit Shock are being honored for their 2003 WNBA championship with a visit to the White House.
Players, coaches and staff along with WNBA president Val Ackerman will go to the presidential mansion on Monday morning.