May 30, 2005

End Of The Storm?

No WNBA champion has repeated since L.A. in 2002, and with defending titlist Seattle having lost two starters, its reign may be over. Here are four teams that could unseat the Storm.

Trisha Blackmar

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Los Angeles Sparks
The addition of Chamique Holdsclaw will take pressure off all-world center Lisa Leslie (17.6 points), but the Sparks will miss DeLisha Milton-Jones's defensive presence in the paint.

Connecticut Sun
One missed jump shot kept the Sun from sweeping the best-of-three championship series last season, and the core group is back, along with 7'2" free-agent center Margo Dydek.

Detroit Shock
A championship hangover resulted in a disappointing '04 season, but coach Bill Laimbeer says the Shock has renewed focus. The team's success will depend largely on how quickly forward Swin Cash (16.4 points) returns from a torn left ACL.

Sacramento Monarchs
The team traded away several savvy veterans but got second-year forward Nicole Powell in return. It still will be anchored by 35-year-old center Yolanda Griffith (14.5 points) and 30-year-old guard Ticha Penicheiro (above, 4.9 assists).--Trisha Blackmar

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	ARTICLES	GALLERIES	VIDEO	COVERS
Los Angeles Sparks	27	10		0
Seattle Storm	27	12		0
Women's National Basketball Association	280	26		0
WNBA Western Conference	103	21		0
Lisa Leslie	32	2		1

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Los Angeles Sparks (10)