Mystics dampen Silver Stars playoff hopes

Langhorne leads Mystics over Silver Stars

SAN ANTONIO — Crystal Langhorne scored 21 points to lead a balanced offense and the Washington Mystics dealt the San Antonio Silver Stars’ playoff hopes a blow Tuesday night with a 76-66 victory.

With the regular season in its final week, Washington (20-12) is a game behind East-leading Indiana and a half-game behind New York.

The Mystics led most of the way and throughout the second half, but never could pull away. A 3-pointer by Katie Smith followed by a turnaround jumper from Lindsey Harding finally gave Washington some breathing room at 69-60 with 3:15 left.

Monique Currie scored 14 points, and Smith finished with 13 for the Mystics.

Sophia Young led San Antonio (12-20) with 19 points.

The Silver Stars played for the first time since May 20 without forward Chamique Holdsclaw, who suffered a torn Achilles’ tendon Sunday at Minnesota and will miss the remainder of the season.

San Antonio entered Tuesday tied with Minnesota and Los Angeles for the final two playoff spots in the West. The Lynx and the Sparks played late games Tuesday on the West Coast.

Michelle Snow, playing with a protective facemask, scored all 12 of the Silver Stars’ points in the first quarter, then did not score again until 1:29 remained in the game.

The Mystics led by six entering the second period and 36-32 at halftime. The Washington lead reached 12 in the third period before the Silver Stars whittled it to 54-49 by the end of the quarter.