Storm down Mystics

SEATTLE – Sue Bird had 14 points and seven assists to lead a balanced attack as the Seattle Storm beat the Washington Mystics 64-49 on Sunday night.

Lauren Jackson scored 13 points, Sheryl Swoopes 11, Swin Cash 10 and Yolanda Griffith nine to help Seattle (9-7) move into third place in the Western Conference.

Alana Beard had 16 points – but was just was 6 for 17 from the field – to lead Washington (6-9). The Mystics had won 4 of 5.

Seattle improved to 8-1 at home.

The Mystics cut a 13-point Storm lead to seven in the third quarter. But Jackson hit a 3-pointer from the right corner to give the Storm a 47-37 lead to end the period.

Bird had nine points and three assists in the first half to help the Storm lead by as many as 14 points. Bird shot 6 for 10 from the field, and made two 3-pointers.

After a scoreless first quarter, Jackson had six points in the second quarter. The Storm led 35-24 at halftime.

The Storm bounced back from a 76-62 loss at Los Angeles on Tuesday, their fourth loss in five games.