WNBA : Catchings leads Fever to win over Mystics

Tamika Catchings had 24 points and 12 rebounds for the Indiana Fever, who nearly lost an early 18-point lead before holding on for a 74-69 victory over the winless Washington Mystics on Friday night in Washington.

Anna DeForge scored 13 points and Tamika Whitmore added 10 for the Fever, who went 17 for 18 from the free-throw line in winning their second straight game.

Alana Beard led the Mystics with 23 points, while Nakia Sanford scored 13 and Tamara James 10.

Sparks 90, Lynx 87: At Los Angeles, Mwadi Mabika made all four of her free throws in the final 25 seconds to give Los Angeles a victory over Minnesota.

Taj McWilliams-Franklin added 20 points and a block in the final seconds.

Shock 67, Liberty 57: At New York, Deanna Nolan scored 17 points and Swin Cash added 14 to lead defending WNBA champion Detroit to a victory over New York.

Plenette Pierson had 13 points and Cheryl Ford added 11 points and 11 rebounds to help Detroit improve to 5-0 for the first time in franchise history.

Sun 88, Comets 77: At Houston, Nykesha Sales scored 26 points to lead Connecticut to a victory over winless Houston.

After Houston took an 18-point lead in the first half, the Sun outscored the Comets 43-15 to begin the second half.

Around the league

Sacramento Monarchs forward DeMya Walker underwent surgery to repair a torn tendon in her right knee and will miss the rest of the season.