At home, the Fever beat the Mystics with defense. It was close: Indiana shot under 35% from the field and trailed by 12 midway through. Catchings (22 points): "Once we settled down and took our time against their zone, we were fine."

Also at home, the Monarchs beat the Sparks. It wasn't close: the Monarchs had 44 points in the paint to the Sparks' 20, and at one point led by 24. Coach Whisenant: "We got them dysfunctional with our defense. We took them out of their stuff."

L.A. Coach Bibby says the Sparks didn't "play hard." Several played hurt, or didn't play at all: Leslie got just 3 boards in 27 minutes, Teasley (foot injury) missed her third game in a row, and Doneeka Hodges had to start.