Washington Mystics forward Aerial Powers reacts during the first half of the team's WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - Aerial Powers led six Washington players in double figures with 16 points and the Mystics beat the Seattle Storm 88-59 on Wednesday night.
The Mystics opened the third quarter on a 17-5 run for a 15-point lead as Seattle went without a field goal for four-plus minutes. The Storm pulled within 59-51 entering the fourth, but Washington scored 18 of the next 20 points.
Elena Delle Donne and Tianna Hawkins each scored 14 points for Washington (18-7), which won its fourth straight to sweep the season series. Kristi Toliver, averaging 13 points and six assists, missed her second straight game with a knee injury.
Natasha Howard led Seattle (14-12) with 24 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals. Mercedes Russell added 10 points.
Howard scored Seattle's opening eight points and ended the first quarter with 13 as the Storm led 23-16. Seattle was held to 12 points in the second quarter and trailed 38-35 at the break. Howard had 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals at the half.
Seattle Storm forward Natasha Howard shoots against Washington Mystics center Emma Meesseman (33) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Seattle Storm forward Natasha Howard, right, dribbles the ball as Washington Mystics forward LaToya Sanders, left, defends during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Seattle Storm guard Sami Whitcomb, right, shoots against Washington Mystics forward Aerial Powers (23) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Washington Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne, left, tries to get past Seattle Storm center Mercedes Russell, right, during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press
Seattle Storm forward Natasha Howard, right, shoots over Washington Mystics center Emma Meesseman (33) during the first half of a WNBA basketball game Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2019, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Associated Press