Griffith Stands Tall in Monarchs’ Victory

Yolanda Griffith scored 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting and had 12 rebounds, outplaying 7-foot-2 center Margo Dydek on Friday night as the Sacramento Monarchs defeated the Utah Starzz, 89-65, at Salt Lake City in the opening game of a Western Conference first-round playoff series.

“When we play against a player 7-2, we tend to fade away on our shots,” Griffith said. “Coach told us to take it right to her. We have some quick post players . . . and we just took it right to them.”

Tangela Smith scored 17 points for Sacramento as the inside players opened the perimeter for Kedra Holland-Corn, who scored 17, and Ruthie Bolton-Holifield, who had 12, as the Monarchs made 58% of their three-point shots.

New York 62, Miami 46--Vickie Johnson scored 18 points on eight-of-12 shooting and Tari Phillips had 16 points and 13 rebounds at Miami to lead the Liberty in the opening game of an Eastern Conference playoff series.

Tamika Whitmore scored 12 points as the Liberty’s shooting proved the difference. New York made 51.9% of its shots, while Miami made 34.6%.

The Liberty also outrebounded the Sol, 33-23.

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Miami’s Debbie Black, who led the WNBA in steals, was chosen the league’s defensive player of the year, receiving 22 of 60 votes from sportswriters and broadcasters.

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WNBA Playoffs

WESTERN CONFERENCE

Houston vs. Sparks

Today at Houston, 1 p.m.

Monday at Sparks, 7 p.m.

Tuesday at Sparks, 6 or 7 p.m.*

*

Utah vs. Sacramento

Game 1 Sacramento 89, Utah 65

Sunday at Sacramento, noon

Tuesday at Sacramento, TBA*

*

EASTERN CONFERENCE

Charlotte vs. Cleveland

Game 1 Charlotte 53, Cleveland 46

Today at Cleveland, 9 a.m.

Monday at Cleveland, 5 p.m.*

*

New York vs. Miami

Game 1 New York 62, Miami 46

Sunday at New York, 9 a.m.

Tuesday at New York, 4 or 5 p.m.*

*--if necessary