PHOENIX, Aug. 3 (Ticker) -- Diana Taurasi scored 25 points and the Phoenix Mercury used a pair of runs to cruise to a 112-84 triumph over the Charlotte Sting.

The Mercury improved to 13-16 and kept their slim playoff hopes alive. Phoenix trails fourth-place Seattle (16-14) by 3 1/2 games for the final postseason berth in the Western Conference.

NBA TV highlights from Sting-Mercury: Play

Phoenix's points total fell two shy of the league record set by the Minnesota Lynx, who posted a 114-71 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on May 31. The Mercury tied the league mark of 42 field goals in one game, set by Los Angeles in a 105-80 win over San Antonio on June 25.

With the game tied, 26-26, in the second quarter, Phoenix went on a 9-1 run that was capped by Taurasi's two free throws. Kelly Miller, who finished with 16 points and five rebounds, scored the Mercury's first seven points in the burst.

Early in the third period, Phoenix added to its 55-46 advantage with a 13-3 run. Kamila Vodichkova finished the uprising with a jumper with 5:33 left in the quarter.

Vodichkova finished with 10 points and five rebounds for Phoenix, which shot a season-high 62 percent (42-of-68) from the field.

Jennifer Lacy scored 16 points and Belinda Snell 14 for the Mercury, who won their second straight game following a four-game skid.

Monique Currie scored 19 points and Kelly Mazzante added 18 for the Sting (9-21), who have lost five of their last seven.