Phoenix, slouching toward the finish line, has probably slipped right out of the playoffs. The Merc fell to the Mystics at home last night -- Taurasi scored 25 but didn't get much help.

To get into the postseason, Phoenix must beat Houston on Sunday, and Sacto must lost both of its final two games against Houston and Minnesota.

"We've got to hope the hoop gods are with us," coach Graf said.

Washington has now won five in a row and clinched a playoff berth. "It's a dream come true," said Alana Beard. "We were destined to win," said coach Adams. "Our players just feel it."

Nancy Lieberman had picked Carrie Graf for Coach of the Year honors. But as Graf's team has collapsed down the stretch, she looks less and less deserving.

In fact, you have to think that coach Adams should get some consideration. Last year, the Mystics won 9 games; they could double that total -- and could finish first -- with a win on Sunday. Early in the year, when we were all saying what a terrible job he was doing, no one would have thought Washington had a chance for this kind of finish.

No coach has faced more adversity this year, and no team has finished better. You can make cases for T-Bone, SMS, and Donovan -- and I know there's no real chance Adams will win -- but he may get my vote.