MINNEAPOLIS, June 19 (Ticker) -- Katie Smith scored 22 points as the Minnesota Lynx posted a 66-58 victory over the Houston Comets.

NBA TV highlights from Comets-Lynx: 56k | 300k Katie Smith posted 22 points, six rebounds and five assists. David Sherman/NBAE/Getty Images

One of five players in WNBA history with at least 3,000 career points, Smith made 7-of-16 shots in 39 minutes, helping the Lynx avoid a third straight loss.

Minnesota never trailed and opened the second half with a 15-5 run, giving the Lynx a 43-30 advantage just over 6½ minutes into the half.

Houston played without All-Star Tina Thompson and was outrebounded 35-25. Thompson is on the injured list with a strained calf.

One night after recording her 3,000th career point, Sheryl Swoopes led Houston with 18 points. Tiffani Johnson filled in for Thompson and scored just two points.