Comets Win but Lose Cooper

Sheryl Swoopes had her first double-double this season with 11 points and 10 rebounds, and the host Houston Comets defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 66-51, in front of 6,639 on Tuesday night.

Tina Thompson scored 14 points to help the Comets (3-2) avert their first three-game losing streak in team history.

Houston’s Cynthia Cooper, sidelined because of a shoulder injury, watched from the bench. Cooper, the WNBA’s oldest player at 40, tore her right rotator cuff in practice Monday and will sit out at least two weeks.

“If she comes back and is fine, she should be ready to go,” team doctor Bruce Moseley said. “But if the injury worsens and she needs surgery, she could miss the rest of the season. Cynthia is hopeful that she will return this season.”

She was one of the best players in the league before her retirement two years ago. She won three scoring titles, two most-valuable-player awards and played on four championship teams with the Comets.

Cooper rejoined the Comets this season after a one-year retirement. Last season, she coached Phoenix to a 10-6 record before leaving to spend more time with her family.

In four games this year, Cooper averaged 16 points, 2.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists.

Tamicha Jackson and Plenette Pierson each scored nine points for the Mercury (1-4).

Seattle 70, Sacramento 56 -- Lauren Jackson scored 22 points and tied a career-high with 13 rebounds to lead the host Storm (1-3) in front of 4,528.

Center Yolanda Griffith and forward Tangela Smith led the Monarchs (2-2). Griffith picked up her second double-double this season with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Smith had 14 points.

Jackson got her 10th career double-double.

Sue Bird of the Storm started her 36th consecutive game despite an injured left knee.