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Currie, Smith lead Mystics past Shock

Aug 2, 2010 - 12:02 AM WASHINGTON (AP) -- Monique Currie and Katie Smith scored 15 points each and the Washington Mystics cruised to an 87-62 victory over the Tulsa Shock on Sunday.

Marissa Coleman had 14 points and 10 rebounds for her first career double-double, Crystal Langhorne added 11 points, and Chasity Melvin and Lindsey Harding each had 10 for Washington (15-10).

"I give our team a lot of credit," said Mystics coach Julie Plank, whose team won its first back-to-back since early July to maintain its hold on third place in the Eastern Conference. "Sometimes it's hard to play games after you've put everything out there and win. ... But I thought our team came out with great energy."

Tiffany Jackson had 14 points and seven rebounds to lead the Shock (4-22), who lost their seventh straight and 19th in their last 20.

"I think we wanted to perform as hard as (we could)," Tulsa coach Nolan Richardson said. "That's the makeup of the group. But at the same time I think Washington performed because of what they had to do."

President Barack Obama attended the game and sat courtside with a group that included his 8-year-old daugther Sasha-wearing a Mystics jersey-and Ted Leonsis, who owns the Mystics, the NBA's Wizards and the NHL's Capitals.

"The only two times I've noticed who was courtside was when LeBron (James) was here, and obviously today," Coleman said. "And today's was even worse. It's just kind of a surreal thing to look over and see the President of the United States sitting courtside."

He was treated to more of a clinic than a contest.

The Mystics hit four 3-pointers and opened a 25-9 lead during the first quarter of a game that was never competitive.

Smith's 3s were the first two baskets of the contest, and Coleman's 3 made it 17-5 before her assist to Harding beyond the arc capped a dominant opening quarter.

"It was a special night," Coleman said. "I think everybody just got focused. We know we need to get wins, and we know we're fighting for a top playoff spot."

Langhorne's back-to-back inside baskets stretched it to 33-9 early in the second before the Mystics took a 44-25 lead into halftime.

Coleman's free throw stretched it to 65-37 late in the third quarter, and Melvin's layup made it 76-47 moments before the President left to a standing ovation with 4:35 to play.