Phillips Stands Tall Again as Liberty Defeats Mystics

Tari Phillips, a 6-foot-1 center acquired by the New York Liberty from Portland at the start of the season, had another big game and the Liberty defeated the Washington Mystics, 78-64, Monday night before 17,988 at Washington.

The Liberty had lost five of its last six games against the Mystics, including two this season.

New York won this one with a strong finishing kick, outscoring the Mystics, 24-7, over the final 6:44.

The Liberty has won eight of its last nine games, and Coach Richie Adubato said the key to the recent success was Phillips.

“Bless his heart,” said Phillips, who scored 14 points and grabbed nine rebounds before fouling out with 2:23 remaining and the Liberty leading, 66-59. “I totally enjoy playing for him. He’s kind of taken me under his wing, and he just wants me to go out there and produce. All I ever asked for was a chance.”

Vickie Johnson scored a season-high 22 points for the Liberty (15-10). Murriel Page had a season-high 18 for the Mystics (11-13).

Phoenix 67, Cleveland 57--Brandy Reed scored 31 points as the Mercury (15-9) beat the Rockers (13-10) before 8,324 at Phoenix. Reed made 10 of 16 shots and had eight rebounds.

Phoenix played the second half without point guard Michelle Cleary, who twisted her right knee midway through the first half.

Portland 61, Detroit 57--Sophia Witherspoon scored 18 points as the Fire (8-16) won on the road for the first time since July 11 before 4,648 at Auburn Hills, Mich. The Shock (10-13) have lost three straight since the All-Star break and dropped to fifth place in the Eastern Conference.

Charlotte 82, Indiana 78--Andrea Stinson scored 21 of her game-high 24 points in the second half and overtime as the Sting (6-18) rallied to beat the Fever (6-1) before 5,055 at Charlotte for their third victory in four games.

Charlotte tied a franchise record by making nine three-point shots, including Stinson’s with 4.9 seconds remaining in regulation to send the game into overtime.

Dawn Staley opened the scoring in overtime with a three-pointer for Charlotte. Indiana tied the game at 75-75 on two Danielle McCulley free throws before Stinson gave Charlotte the lead for good with another three-pointer.