Phoenix ? Although Diana Taurasi knew plenty of old friends would be aware of her latest performance as a pro, and she didn’t lose her focus.

Former UConn All-American Taurasi had 17 points and five assists Wednesday to lead the Phoenix Mercury past the Connecticut Sun, 75-59. The Sun play just 30 miles from Storrs, where Taurasi was the top player for three-time national champion UConn.

“I know everybody at home was watching,” said Taurasi, who scored 26 points in the Mercury’s season-opening victory May 22 over the Sun in Uncasville, Conn. “But it’s not that big of a deal.”

What was a big deal was the 13-1 run by Phoenix to a 56-40 lead with 10:08 left Wednesday. The Sun managed only a free throw by Wendy Palmer in a stretch of 5:46.

Sparks 82, Sting 68

Los Angeles — Mwaki Mabika scored 19 points and Los Angeles rallied in the second half to defeat Charlotte. Nikki Teasley added 17 points, six rebounds and six assists for the Sparks (4-4), who broke a two-game losing streak. Lisa Leslie scored 16 points

Comets 59, Silver Stars 47

Houston — Sheryl Swoopes scored 20 points and Tina Thompson added 17, leading Houston over San Antonio. The pair combined for 24 in the first half and held off a late San Antonio rally as the Comets avenged a season-opening, 64-55 loss to the Silver Stars.

Shock 83, Fever 79

Indianapolis — Deanna Nolan scored 29 points, and Detroit rallied from a 23-point deficit to beat Indiana.