Final WNBA.com Power Rankings: August 30, 2005

Well, we made it. Another regular season in the books, and what a final week it was. Connecticut and Sacramento stayed on top of the Rankings despite having little to play for, while the rest of the teams duked it our for seeding or a playoff berth. The Sparks won four in a row down the stretch, the Storm won three while the Liberty lost three. What does it all mean? Nothing. It's a whole new season and anything can happen once those playoff patches are sewn onto players' jerseys.

2005 WNBA.com POWER RANKINGS: Week 13
TEAM (last)
REC.
NOTES
1 26-8The Sun lost two games is a row last week to potential Conference Finals foes Indiana and New York. However they got back on track to win their final two games and secure the best record in the league and home court advantage throughout the playoffs. After losing both games on the road at the Finals last year, home court was important to the Sun, though having lost three out of four to Detroit during the regular season could spell trouble for the favorites.
Upcoming: Detroit
2 25-9The Monarchs lost in Seattle last week and looked vulnerable in the process, but still went 2-1 in their final week without anything to play for, having already wrapped up the top spot. Their reward? A first round matchup with a familiar foe, the Los Angeles Sparks. The Monarchs had been knocked out of three playoff series in four year by the Sparks untul upsetting L.A. as a four seed last season in a first round battle.
Upcoming: Los Angeles
3
20-14The Storm looked mighty impressive in their final three games of the regular season, winning all three thanks to solid efforts all around. Even with Lauren Jackson going out against Phoenix with a sore back, Sue Bird raised her game and showed that Seattle can beat you in more than just one way. Betty Lennox returned from awrist injury and looks to be ready for the playoffs. The only question will be Seattle's ability to win on the road.
Upcoming: Houston
4
21-13

The Fever finished with their best record in franchise history and will have the home court advantage in a playoff series for the first time. But while the franchise has not been in mayn playoff games, veterans Tully Bevilaqua and Natalie Williams have, and should lend support to superstar Tamika Catchings as they take on a veteran, playoff-tested team in the New York Liberty.
Upcoming: New York

5
19-15 The Comets won two in a row when it counted most in their final two games of the season to sure up aplayoff berth before their final game. Sheryl Swoopes took the final game against the Sparks off, and the team still won by a gigantic margin. With four Olympians and another All-Star on their squad, the Comets are back again and could be a major player in the postseason.
Upcoming: Seattle
6
18-16The Liberty did lose three games in a row to close out the regular season, but that was after their three seed was already secure. Still there was no excuse for the home loss to Charlotte on Fan Appreciation Night. A hobbled Elena Baranova will be important to the Liberty's success in the playoffs as center Ann Wauters will not play for the rest of New York's run.
Upcoming: Indiana
7 17-17The Sparks did what they needed to do, winning four in a row down the stretch to earn a playoff berth. Even though their final game did not count, the Sparks have responded to coach Joe Bryant's leadership and could pose serious problems for the Monarchs. Any team with Chamique Holdsclaw and Lisa Leslie must be takes seriously in a three-game series.
Upcoming: Sacramento
8
Detroit (8)
16-18The only team with a losing record to make the playoffs, don't underestimate the Shock. We know the Sun won't, having lost three of four games to Detroit this season. A team that starts five All-Stars, is well-rested and hungry to prove that they have not lost their luster could be most dangerous. Bill Laimbeer has struggled to motivate his players in much of the past two seasons, but players need no help getting motivated when it's win-or-go-home.
Upcoming: Connecticut
9
16-18
10 16-18
11
14-20
12
6-28
13 7-27