Comets clamp down on Storm

Tina Thompson scored 15 of her 19 points in the first half, and the Houston Comets’ defense held Seattle to 32 percent shooting in an 84-59 rout Tuesday night in Seattle.

Thompson made three 3-pointers in the first half, carrying the Comets while Seattle’s defense focused on slowing Sheryl Swoopes.

Swoopes, the reigning league MVP, wasn’t needed much on this night. Thompson finished 7 of 10 from the field as Houston shot 58 percent. Swoopes scored 15 points on 7-of-15 shooting, and added seven assists. Dominique Canty added 19 points, six rebounds and six assists for Houston.

Sue Bird led Seattle with 12 points, and Houston’s swarming defense flustered Lauren Jackson all night. Often facing three and four defenders, Jackson scuffled to just nine points on 4-of-13 shooting.

Tied at 25 midway through the second quarter, Houston closed the half with a 15-5 run. Thompson scored seven straight points during one stretch.

Sparks 72, Sting 65: At Charlotte, N.C., Jessica Moore’s driving layup with 43 seconds left put Los Angeles in front, and the Sparks scored the last seven points in a win over Charlotte.

Mystics 95, Liberty 60: At Washington, Alana Beard scored 25 points and the Mystics beat New York and tied a franchise record for largest margin of victory.

Fever 62, Silver Stars 53: At San Antonio, Tamika Catchings scored 23 points and Tamika Whitmore added 16 to lead Indiana to a victory over the Silver Stars.

Monarchs 76, Sky 63: Nicole Powell scored 19 points and defending champion Sacramento spoiled expansion Chicago’s home opener.

Sun 81, Lynx 69: At Minneapolis, Katie Douglas tied a career high with 28 points to lead Connecticut over Minnesota, spoiling the Lynx debut of first overall draft pick Seimone Augustus, who finished with 21 points and five rebounds.