New York ? Nykesha Sales scored 13 of her 15 points in the first half, and the Connecticut Sun beat the New York Liberty, 61-51, on Friday night in Game 1 of the WNBA’s Eastern Conference finals.

Taj McWilliams-Franklin had 14 points and 10 rebounds, and Lindsay Whalen added 12 points for Connecticut, which used a 23-5 run in the first half to build a 16-point lead en route to its third straight win in the playoffs.

Crystal Robinson scored 17 points for New York.

Monarchs 74, Storm 72, OT

Sacramento, Calif. — DeMya Walker made a leaning underhand shot at the buzzer in overtime, giving Sacramento the victory in Game 1 of the WNBA’s Western Conference finals.