It’s Some Miracle: Comets Lose

Nykesha Sales scored a game-high 23 points as the visiting Orlando Miracle upset the previously undefeated Houston Comets, 68-66, before 10,204 Monday night.

Sales scored five of the her team’s last eight as Orlando (5-3) withstood a desperate Houston rally. The loss for Houston (7-1) was its first at home since losing to Cleveland last Aug. 1.

Houston’s Cynthia Cooper, who leads the WNBA in scoring with 26.9 points a game, led the Comets with 21 points.

Detroit 91, New York 71--Korie Hlede broke out of a season-long slump with 17 points, leading the Shock (5-4) over the Liberty (5-2) before 7,194 at Auburn Hills, Mich.

The game was New York’s first at the Palace of Auburn Hills since an 82-68 loss in the final game last season. That loss eliminated the Liberty from playoff contention.

Shock Coach Nancy Lieberman-Cline juggled her starting lineup, putting in rookie Dominique Canty and Rachael Sporn for the slumping Hlede and Val Whiting. Canty, Sporn (12 points) and Hlede responded by scoring in double figures.

Cleveland 70, Phoenix 51--The Rockers (2-7) used a 23-5 run early in the second half to break open a close game against the Mercury (3-5) before 9,752 at Cleveland.