In New York, the oldest rivalry in the league added a startling chapter. The Liberty played a smooth first half, the Comets a sloppy one; New York took a 13-point lead.

It didn't last. Aided by millions of whistles, but hindered by 65% free throw shooting, Houston ran, pressed, and climbed to a 69-69 tie; with 0.3 seconds left, Michelle Snow's offensive rebound gave Houston the win.

The Liberty looked hurried, and came unglued. (Some might say Coyle got outcoached.) Fan favorite Shameka Christon (4-14) made some big shots, but missed others, among them some mysterious three-point attempts with lots of time on the clock: the Libs will have to improve their collective judgment in order to run with the Sun tonight.

In her third post-childbirth game, Tina Thompson scored 17, finding her way around Liberty posts for layups, and coming back to the court after an ugly (but unintended) elbow to the chest.

Also back after time off, as promised: the Times' Lena Williams. Welcome back, Lena Williams.