MINNEAPOLIS, June 27 (Ticker) -- After hanging around for a half, the Phoenix Mercury watched Katie Smith and the Minnesota Lynx take over.

NBA TV highlights from Mercury-Lynx: 56k | 300k

Smith scored 18 points as the Lynx posted a 67-59 victory over the Mercury, who lost their fourth-straight game.

The Mercury, who own the league's worst record, trailed by just two points at the half. But triggered by Smith, the Lynx used a 12-2 run early in the second to take control of the game.

Michele Van Gorp chipped in 12 points for the Lynx, who shot 51 percent (26-of-51) and limited the Mercury to 38 percent (23-of-61).

Tamicha Jackson scored 18 points and Anna DeForge added 15 for the Mercury, who have lost 11 of their 13 games this season.