AUBURN HILLS, MICH. ? Deanna Nolan had 18 points to lead the Detroit Shock to a 66-52 victory Sunday over the Washington Mystics to stay in contention for the fourth and final Eastern Conference playoff spot.

The Shock (15-16) lead the Mystics (14-17) by one game with three games left in the regular season.

Swin Cash had 12 points for the Shock, who won their sixth straight home game. Cheryl Ford had 10 points and 11 rebounds, and Katie Smith added 10 points.

Alana Beard led Washington, loser of five straight, with 20 points on 7-of-13 shooting.

Mercury 83, Lynx 69

Phoenix – Diana Taurasi had 17 points and five rebounds, and Anna Deforge added 16 points, leading Phoenix.

Sparks 55, Comets 50

Los Angeles – Lisa Leslie had 19 points and 14 rebounds, and Chamique Holdsclaw added 11 points in the Sparks’ (15-16) third consecutive victory over the Comets (17-15) this season.