It’s captivating that recently in the NBA a team manifested the greatest comeback in Finals history. Every day in the WNBA, meanwhile, teams are overcoming daunting deficits to stun their opponents. As a matter of fact, during this week, Los Angeles overcame a 17-point deficit to beat Sacramento and New York and San Antonio, led by Sophia Young (above), each rallied back from 12-point deficits to win. D. Clarke Evans/NBAE/Getty Images
New Kids on the Shock Steal the Show
Detroit Earns Revenge on Phoenix in Finals Rematch:
You can normally expect All-Stars like Diana Taurasi, Cappie Pondexter and Deanna Nolan to flourish in highly-anticipated contests. They become household names because of their gallant performances and signature moments in noteworthy games throughout the season. Sometimes, however, newcomers will steal away the spotlight and outshine their more celebrated teammates/opponents. In fact, that is exactly what the ‘New Kids on the Shock’ did against the defending champs on Saturday. Rookie Tasha Humphrey, in just her second career start, recorded a career-best 28 points and fellow first-year project Alexis Hornbuckle grabbed 15 rebounds – the most by a guard in franchise history – as Detroit cruised past Phoenix to earn some revenge from last year’s Finals. Pondexter led the Mercury with 28 points, while Taurasi, fresh off a WNBA season-high 37 points against the Storm on Wednesday, was limited to just nine points in the defeat.
ALSO MAKING HEADLINES ...
Real Sparks Erupting in Los Angeles:
Most experts projected the Sparks to be the most improved team in the WNBA this season. Some even forecasted L.A. to be a championship contender. It would be both fascinating and incongruous with history if the Celtics won the NBA championship and the Sparks won the WNBA title. The C’s and Sparks were among the two worst teams by overall record in their respective leagues last season and could potentially be the best teams in their leagues this year. It would be as paradoxical as landing the same numbers in the lottery on consecutive drawings. Anyhow, the Sparks, led by sensational weeks from Candace Parker, Lisa Leslie and DeLisha Milton-Jones, went a perfect 3-0 on the week. The Western Conference leaders (7-2) prevailed over the two best teams in the East, the Shock and Sun, and overcame a 17-point first-half deficit to defeat their familiar foes, the Monarchs, on Saturday.
Parker
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"I went to check-in and everybody started cheering, and I was like, OK, I hope I don't mess up. The support I've gotten from the fans has been awesome."
-- Tamika Catchings, on what she was feeling when the crowd at Conseco Fieldhouse gave her a standing ovation while checking in for the first time since last year's playoffs.
Catchings
WHO WAS HOT
Ann Wauters, Silver Stars
Three Games: 14-29 FG, 9-14 FT
Shyra Ely, Storm
Three Games: 6-16 FG, 0-1 3-pt FG
Mwadi Mabika, Comets
One Game: 2-11 FG, 1-7 3-pt FG
Chelsea Newton, Monarchs
Three Games: 1-9 FG, 0-0 3-pt FG
Houston
UPCOMING NATIONAL TV GAMES
Mon. Sun-Storm, 10 ET (NBA TV)
Wed. Silver Stars-Dream, 7 ET (NBA TV)
Fri. Lynx-Shock, 7:30 ET (NBA TV)
Sat. Comets-Lynx, 8 ET (NBA TV)
Sun. Mercury-Liberty, 4 ET (NBA TV)
Jackson
Catchings
CATCHINGS MAKES LONG-AWAITED RETURN
They tried to remain patient. They tried to withstand their passionate anticipation. But when you know one of the best players in the WNBA is close to returning, it’s not an easy task to just sit back and wait. Since last year’s playoffs, fans in Indiana have long-awaited the return of Tamika Catchings. They finally got their wish on Sunday when the five-time All-Star came back from her torn Achilles' tendon. Although the Fever couldn't overcome the Silver Stars and despite scoring just two points and grabbing one rebound in limited minutes, Catchings' presence alongside Katie Douglas was a special sight and should be a factor for the remainder of the season.
HOUSTON WELCOMES BACK SWOOPES
She will always be remembered for her legendary game-changing moments and championship-level performances in a Comets uniform. In addition to earning MVP honors three times with the team, Sheryl Swoopes helped Houston win four straight WNBA titles (1997-2000) and became the first player in league history to record a triple-double. The three-time Olympic gold medalist made her first return to Houston on Saturday since signing with Seattle during the offseason. Although she was held to just eight points on 3-of-10 shooting from the field in the Storm’s defeat, the emotional crowd gave Swoopes a deserving cheer every time she touched the ball.
