WNBA | Thursday's games

Houston 83, Washington 76
HOUSTON -- Tina Thompson followed one of the worst games of her pro career with 22 points to lead Houston over Washington. Thompson went 9-of-16 against the Mystics after scoring two points in Tuesday's 73-57 loss at Connecticut, shooting 1-for-12 from the field. Houston (11-6) won its eighth consecutive home game. Tamecka Dixon, starting in place of injured Dominque Canty, threw in a jumper from the left side with 1:29 to play to give Houston a 77-76 lead, its first of the fourth quarter. Sheryl Swoopes added 17 points for Houston, and Michelle Snow had 14 points and 16 rebounds. Chasity Melvin led Washington with 20 points and Alana Beard had 17. The Mystics (8-7) lost their fourth in a row and have won only one road game this season.
Fever 66, Shock 56
INDIANAPOLIS -- Tamika Whitmore scored 12 of her 22 points in the fourth quarter and Tamika Catchings got her 41st career double-double to lead Indiana. Catchings moved into a tie for eighth place on the league's all-time list for double-doubles with 17 points and 13 rebounds. She also had seven assists, the most by a Fever player this season. Ruth Riley scored 14 points and Deanna Nolan had 12 for Detroit (10-5), which had its six-game winning streak snapped and dropped a game behind Indiana (12-5) in the Eastern Conference. Indiana's Anna DeForge was the only other player to score in double figures with 11. The Fever, who improved to 7-0 at home this season, outscored the Shock 26-15 in the final quarter to break open a close game. Detroit led 41-40 after three quarters and the Fever took the lead for good at 44-42 on Catchings' layup. A hook shot by Whitmore and a 3-pointer by Tully Bevilaqua just as the shot clock was expiring put Indiana up 53-46 and the Fever went on to lead by as many as 11 points.
Associated Press
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