Silver Lining for Sparks

After seven straight postseason appearances, the San Antonio Spurs finished the 1996-97 season with a miserable 20-62 record. Injuries limited superstar David Robinson to just six games and sent the Spurs home early. What seemed like a disaster for the franchise, however, was actually a blessing. The Spurs won the draft lottery and selected Wake Forest's Tim Duncan with the first overall pick, Robinson got healthy and the rest is history.

Last season, the Los Angeles Sparks finished with a league worst 10-24 record, ending their string of eight consecutive playoff appearances. Reigning MVP Lisa Leslie sat out the season because of a pregnancy and the team was a shell of its former self. The Sparks, of course, landed the No. 1 pick and selected Tennessee's Candace Parker. Time will tell if Parker and the rejuvenated Leslie will match the success of Robinson and Duncan, but they have immediately become one of the league's most dominant duos.

Welcome Home

When the Indiana Fever acquired Indianapolis native Katie Douglas in February, it was more than just a publicity stunt. Much more. The longtime Sun guard is averaging more than 24 points per game in the young season while playing her trademark tenacious defense. The Fever's hot start has thrust her to the top of the MVP race in the season's early going.

Five Questions with Lynx Rookie Candice Wiggins

Q: You've had a whirlwind couple of months with the Final 4, the WNBA draft, Team USA and the start of your WNBA career. What's that been like?
A: Crazy. It's starting to calm down now, which is great. It was the high point of my life; it was great.

Q: One day you are playing for Stanford against Tennessee's Nicky Anosike for the NCAA title, the next you are teammates. Can you describe what that experience was like?
A: It was funny. …I've known Nicky for a long time. We've been playing with each other and against each other forever. Now it's just nice to have her on my team.

Q: How many of the other Lynx players did you know before joining the team?
A: I've known Charde (Houston) since we were young, real young. I remember her first basketball game ever. So, I've known her forever. I've played with Seimone (Augustus) a little bit. I've known Shay (Murphy) and Noelle (Quinn) since high school.

Q: Since the college season started last fall, you've been pretty active. How much rest have you gotten?
A: Not a lot, but hopefully I can just push through the season. I am having fun, so it's not draining, but I'll get some time for my body to rest.

Q: Since you've been in Minnesota, who has been helping you out and showing you the ropes?
A: Obviously, the guards have been really helpful: Anna (DeForge), Noelle, Shay. … Everyone has. Everyone helps in their little way, whether it's off-the-court stuff, on-the-court stuff … they are really, really good.

More Lynx

The Minnesota Lynx are 20-48 over the past two seasons, so there really hasn't been much reason for them to gain national attention. This year, however, could be different. After the team's 75-69 win at Chicago on May 29, the Lynx moved to 3-0 for the first time in franchise history. Off-season acquisition Anna DeForge has provided the leadership the young team sorely needed while also easing the scoring burden on All-Star Seimone Augustus. Second-round pick Nicky Anosike meanwhile, could be one of the true steals of this year's deep draft.

And Finally …

The expansion Atlanta Dream have yet to pick up its first win, but the franchise has plenty to be encouraged about. Both of the team's home games have been sellouts, leaving many in the league envious.