Connecticut moves into first place

? Behind Nykesha Sales’ 28 points, the Connecticut Sun beat the Charlotte Sting, 81-67, Wednesday night to take sole possession of first place in the Eastern Conference.

Taj McWilliams-Franklin added 19 points and 10 rebounds for the Sun (17-15), who clinched their second consecutive postseason berth. Connecticut moved one game ahead of Charlotte (16-16) in the tightly bunched Eastern Conference.

Tammy Sutton-Brown tied a career-high with 22 points, and Allison Feaster and Tynesha Lewis added 15 apiece for the Sting, who had their three-game winning streak snapped.

The Sun shot 53 percent in their fourth straight win.

Mystics 84, Silver Stars 73

San Antonio — Alana Beard scored 22 points and Washington beat San Antonio, the Mystics’ fourth straight win.

Storm 73, Mercury 58

Seattle — Lauren Jackson scored 25 points, and Seattle came from far back again to wrap up second place in the WNBA’s Western Conference with a victory over Phoenix.