After returning to the Western Conference Finals for the fourth time in five years, the Sacramento Monarchs looked to be at a disadvantage without starting point guard and all-time WNBA assist leader Ticha Penicheiro. However, the Monarchs called on Kara Lawson, the team's sixth man and a shooting guard all season, to fill in as the starting point guard against the Comets.

So how did Lawson do? Not only did she record a Conference Finals-high seven assists in Game Two against Houston, but she also had 18 points and nine rebounds as the Monarchs swept to reach the WNBA Finals for the first time in history. During the regular season, Lawson battled injuries and averaged less than 10 points and two assists per game. However, she has stepped up her game big time in the postseason. In Game One of the series in Houston, Lawson finished with 12 points and seven rebounds. She was 6-9 from 3-point range in the Conference Finals as well, including a 4-4 performance in the clincher.

By contrast, Lawson finished with 8 points, 3 assists and 1 rebound in Game One in the First Round against the Sparks and followed that up with 11 points and 0 assists in Game Two.

Penicheiro's status for the Finals remains uncertain, so Lawson will likely be thrust into the spotlight again, on the biggest stage in her career.

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