Phoenix, AZ (AHN) - Penny Taylor is becoming a premier scorer in the WNBA this season.

Taylor poured in a season-high 32 points to lead the Phoenix Mercury (12-9) to an 89-79 win over the Seattle Storm (11-10) on Tuesday. Taylor erupted for 22 points in the opening half, as Phoenix built a 45-41 halftime lead.

Phoenix blew the game open with a 19-4 run to open the third quarter, led by five of Taylor's points.

The flashy forward had a brilliant overall game, adding seven rebounds, five steals, three assists and a blocked shot. Taylor is averaging nearly 25 points per game over her last nine games.

Diana Taurasi chipped in 18 points for the victors.

Lauren Jackson (33 points) and Betty Lennox (22) provided a powerful 1-2 scoring punch for the Storm, who fell into fourth place in the WNBA's Western Conference.