New York ? Tamika Whitmore scored a career-high 28 points to lead New York to a 77-71 victory against Phoenix on Monday night.

Tari Phillips added a season-high 23 points and Becky Hammon scored eight of her 14 points late in the game for the Liberty.

Teresa Weatherspoon, who along with Phillips was voted as a starter for the WNBA All-Star game, had nine assists for the Liberty, who played for the first time in six days.

Jennifer Gillom scored 25 points for Phoenix, which dropped its fifth straight since winning on June 26, when head coach Cynthia Cooper resigned and Linda Sharp took over. The Mercury tied a season-high with 19 turnovers but still had a chance to win late in the second half.

Adriana Moises Pinot hit a three-pointer to cut New York’s lead to 51-45 with 11:14 left, but Whitmore and Hammon took over.

Whitmore hit four straight inside baskets and Hammon followed with four quick jumpers from the outside to boost the Liberty’s lead to double digits.

Fever 68, Rockers 57

Indianapolis Indiana rookie Tamika Catchings had 24 points and 10 rebounds, and the Fever dealt Cleveland its fourth straight loss. Catchings was 7-of-15 from the field, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, and 6-of-8 from the free-throw line. Bridget Pettis added 11 points for the Fever (8-9).

Penny Taylor and Merlakia Jones each scored 12 points for the Rockers (6-11).

Mystics 63, Miracle 51

Orlando, Fla. Coco Miller had a game-high 17 points and Vicky Bullett added 12 points and nine rebounds for Washington. The Miracle fell three games behind the Eastern Conference-leading Mystics and are tied for second with Charlotte. Washington scored 12 of the first 14 points of the second half, increasing its lead to 33-22 with 14:25 to play.

Starzz 94, Shock 76

Salt Lake City Adrienne Goodson scored 21 points and Marie Ferdinand added 20 to lead Utah over Detroit. Margo Dydek added 12 points, seven blocks and seven rebounds for Utah (11-6).