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Monarchs get Sun in WNBA Finals Game 1

The Sacramento Monarchs lost both regular-season meetings against the Connecticut Sun but used a strong inside game, anchored by Yolanda Griffith, and relentless defense to hand Connecticut a rare home loss. The Sun, making their second straight appearance in the finals, had lost only three games this season at the Mohegan Sun arena coming in. Game 2 was to be Thursday night in Connecticut. The home crowd got into it early when Lindsay Whalen was announced for the starting lineup for Connecticut. The star point guard broke a bone in her left knee during the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday and was questionable for this series. The 8,200 fans erupted when Whalen ran onto the floor through bright orange jets of fire. Nykesha Sales led the Sun with 23 points. Her 3-pointer with 1:26 left in the game pulled Connecticut to within three at 66-63. The Sun had a chance to tie it on their next possession but Whalen missed a wide-open 3 from the right wing and the Monarchs hit 3-of-4 from the line to ice the game.