WNBA: Hammon delivers in Silver Stars’ win

Facing playoff elimination, the San Antonio Silver Stars looked to the one player that has carried them all season.

Becky Hammon delivered.

She had 20 points to lead the Silver Stars to their first playoff win in San Antonio, an 86-61 victory Saturday over the Sacramento Monarchs.

Hammon, who had 15 points in the first half, finished 7 of 11 from the field. She had four 3-pointers, four assists and three steals to help the Silver Stars even the Western Conference series at 1-1.

“We wanted to come out, play hard and not get outhustled like we did in Game 1,” said Hammon, who was awarded the WNBA Peak Performer Assist Award before the game. “We wanted to come out, be aggressive and set the tone on our home court.”

Hammon did just that, popping a 3-pointer for the Silver Stars’ first points of the game. She was 4 for 4 behind the arc.

Sacramento tied it early in the first quarter, when Kara Lawson hit a 3-pointer to make it 11-all.

But Helen Darling answered back with a 3-pointer, giving San Antonio a lead that would last the rest of the game.

Rebekkah Brunson led the Monarchs with 18 points and eight rebounds, and Kristin Haynie added 15 points.

The deciding game will be Monday night in San Antonio.

Fever 78, Sun 59: At Indianapolis, Anna DeForge scored 26 points to help Indiana defeat Connecticut and tie the first-round playoff series.

It was Indiana’s first win against the Sun in six tries this season. The Fever will host the decisive Game 3 on Monday night.