Monarchs’ Strength Runs Deep Against Phoenix

The Sacramento Monarchs showed why their bench could make the second of back-to-back games, like the one they play tonight in Los Angeles, a bit easier.

All 10 Monarchs who played Friday night scored in a 73-61 victory over the Phoenix Mercury at Sacramento.

The reserves accounted for 25 points and the starters averaged less than 28 minutes apiece for the first-place Monarchs (6-1), who are off to the franchise’s best start. Tonight, they play the Sparks at Staples Center.

Yolanda Griffith’s 16 points and DeMya Walker’s 14 points topped the Monarchs, who forced 26 turnovers that led to 23 Sacramento points.

“Our second unit came in and really picked up the tempo,” Walker said. “They were the momentum changer.”

The Mercury was outrebounded, 45-32, and gave up 18 second-chance points. Penny Taylor had 24 points for Phoenix (2-6), and Diana Taurasi and Plenette Pierson each added 13.

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Indiana 62, New York 59 -- Kelly Miller’s three-point play with less than a second left lifted the Fever (5-3), which led by as many as 14 in the first half at Indianapolis. Miller, who had 12 points, made a short jump shot just as the buzzer sounded. After reviewing video, officials ruled the basket was good and Miller was fouled. She added a free throw with 0.9 seconds left.

Ann Wauters scored 12 of her season-high 19 points in the second half for New York (2-4).

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Connecticut 77, Houston 57 -- Nykesha Sales scored 21 points to lead the Sun (5-1), which won for the first time at Houston. Sheryl Swoopes made only three of 12 shots but scored a team-high 15 points for the Comets (4-3), who have lost two consecutive at home.

“I thought that was probably the worst defense we have played in eight years,” Swoopes said. “That is a bad thing, but from top to bottom we’re much better than we showed tonight.”

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Washington 64, Seattle 52 -- The Mystics (3-5) blocked seven shots and converted the Storm’s 20 turnovers into 21 points in the victory at Washington. Alana Beard’s 16 points led Washington, which got two blocks from DeLisha Milton-Jones.

Lauren Jackson and Betty Lennox each scored 18 points for the Storm (5-3), which is 1-1 since losing point guard Sue Bird to a broken nose in Tuesday’s loss to Connecticut.

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Detroit 69, Charlotte 55 -- Despite 20 turnovers, the Shock (5-1) coasted by the Sting (1-6) at Auburn Hills, Mich.