Pondexter points Phoenix toward second WNBA finals

PHOENIX – Cappie Pondexter scored nine of her 33 points in the final five minutes and the Phoenix Mercury advanced to the WNBA finals with a 98-92 win Saturday over the San Antonio Silver Stars.

The Mercury, who have swept both their playoff series, will play beginning Wednesday against Detroit or Indiana. Detroit leads the best-of-3 series 1-0. The Mercury’s only WNBA final was in 1998.

Phoenix outscored San Antonio 17-10 over the final 3:12. Penny Taylor added 23 points and Diana Taurasi had 18 for the Mercury, who have won 15 of their last 16 games.

Phoenix beat San Antonio 102-100 in Game 1 Thursday night.

In Game 2, Shanna Crossley made 6 of 10 3-pointers and led the Silver Stars with 20 points. Sophia Young scored 19 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Becky Hammon had 14 points and eight assists while Helen Darling added 13.

Pondexter drove for a layup and made a subsequent free throw to give Phoenix the lead for good at 87-84 with 2:09 left.

Kelly Miller then stole a pass on the other end, was fouled by Hammon and made the two free throws to put the Mercury up by five.