Storm 67, Sun 65

SEATTLE (AP) — When Nykesha Sales' 3-point attempt hit the side of the backboard and the buzzer sounded, the Seattle Storm and 17,072 fans let out a collective exhale.

The Storm are alive, and there is one more game to be played.

Seattle evened the best-of-three Finals 1-1 after a 67-65 win Sunday night over the Connecticut Sun, but had to withstand a record-setting performance from Sales.

Sales scored a Finals record 32 points in Game 2, but said more of a team effort will be needed Tuesday night in the decisive Game 3.

”We've gotten this far playing a well-rounded game,” Sales said. ”When it comes down to the playoffs it's about all of us.”

Sales gave Connecticut a chance to win Game 2. She scored 15 points in the final 7:14 and made seven consecutive shots before her final 3-point attempt. She set records for most points in the Finals, most field goals made (14) and most points in a half (21).

While Sales was leading the Sun, Betty Lennox was doing the same for Seattle. Lennox scored a season-high 27 points, 16 in the second half.

”I was just trying to put more buckets on the scoreboard than she was,” Lennox said. ”My mentality wasn't to force it, just take what the defense gave me.”

Lennox hit 11 of 16 shots and took advantage of her matchup with rookie Lindsay Whalen. Seattle's other starters combined to shoot just 10-of-36.

”Two players that really weren't highlighted coming into the series just took over,” Seattle coach Anne Donovan said. ”One great play after another at both ends.

”It was fun to watch. I'm glad we're going to Game 3.”

Sales brought Connecticut back from a 13-point deficit in the second half. The Sun got even at 57 with 5:20 left, but it was the only tie of the game. Connecticut never led.

”It's a lot of confidence knowing that everyone is willing to do the little things to come back,” Sales said.

Seattle went back up by six, but Sales scored five points in the final 90 seconds to pull the Sun within two at 67-65.

A missed jumper from Lennox and a steal by Connecticut's Katie Douglas set up the Sun's final chance.

Whalen drove baseline and kicked the ball out to Sales, who was open in the corner. Sales said she wasn't sure how much time was left and rushed the shot.

”I thought our last shot was in, but Nykesha got herself a little too deep,” Connecticut coach Mike Thibault said. ”We got the shot that we wanted.”

Lauren Jackson added 15 points and 11 rebounds for Seattle, but made only 5 of 15 shots. Seattle struggled early with the physical style of play, but adjusted, drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. Seattle made 16 of 18 free throws, helping to make up for a 38 percent shooting performance.

Connecticut was 7-of-10 from the free throw line.

Sue Bird had 10 points for the Storm, who remained undefeated at home against the Connecticut/Orlando franchise.

”After Game 1, I think a lot of people doubted us,” Bird said of the loss in Connecticut. ”I think during Game 1 a lot of people didn't think we could do this. But here we are, we got Game 2 and now we are even.”

Douglas scored 14 for Connecticut, which won the series opener 68-64. Connecticut got just two points from Wendy Palmer and Taj McWilliams-Franklin, after the two combined for 26 points and 14 rebounds in the series opener.

Palmer strained her right shoulder early in the second half and didn't return. She is expected to play in Game 3, Thibault said.