SAN ANTONIO — Diana Taurasi, who was ejected for the first time in hercareer in Phoenix’s previous game, scored 21 points Thursday night to lead theMercury to a 97-85 victory over the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Taurasi, who was called for a flagrant foul and given two technicals in thesecond quarter of the Mercury’s 76-75 victory over Sacramento on Tuesday,finished with five rebounds and six assists. She had 18 points in the secondhalf.

Tangela Smith added 22 points, 14 in the first half, on 9-of-12 shooting forthe Mercury, while Cappie Pondexter had 19, Penny Taylor 13 and Kelly Miller 10.The Mercury (4-1) tied the franchise record for best five-game start and pickedup their first road win of the season.

Phoenix, which led 44-31 at halftime, was perfect from the free throw line,going 18-for-18.

The Silver Stars (3-2), whose other loss was to the Mercury 81-72 in theseason opener on May 19 in Phoenix, were led by Becky Hammon’s 25 points. Shewas 4-of-11 from the 3-point line. Hammon has led the Silver Stars in scoring inevery game.

Sophia Young had 22 points for San Antonio and Marie Ferdinand-Harris added10.

The Silver Stars cut the lead to nine points on a layup by Young with 2:19left in the third quarter, but it was as close as they would get.