SAN ANTONIO, May 31 (AP) -- Diana Taurasi, who was ejected for the first time in her career in Phoenix's previous game, scored 21 points Thursday night to lead the Mercury to a 97-85 victory over the San Antonio Silver Stars.

Taurasi, who was called for a flagrant foul and given two technicals in the second 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 second half.

Tangela Smith added 22 points, 14 in the first half, on 9-of-12 shooting for the 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 picked up 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 the season opener on May 19 in Phoenix, were led by Becky Hammon's 25 points. She was 4-of-11 from the 3-point line. Hammon has led the Silver Stars in scoring in every game.

Sophia Young had 22 points for San Antonio and Marie Ferdinand-Harris added 10.

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