Atlanta, GA -- (Sports Network) - Diana Taurasi scored 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting as Phoenix routed the hapless Atlanta Dream, 97-79, at Philips Arena.

Tangela Smith added 17 points for the defending WNBA champion Mercury, who have won four straight games. Kelly Mazzante and Le'coe Willingham chipped in with 14 points each for Phoenix, which outscored Atlanta 33-9 in the second quarter.

Betty Lennox finished with 18 points for the expansion Dream, who extended their WNBA-record losing streak to 16 games and are still looking for the first win in franchise history.

Jennifer Lacey netted 16 points for Atlanta and Tamera Young had 15 points and seven rebounds.