The Sparks fell apart in Anaheim. Mwadi had more fouls than field goals. Leslie scored ten, including a worthless late trey. The one bright spot for the Sparks was Tamara Moore, who came alive too late.

The Monarchs led by 24 at the half, flagged in the third quarter, but owned the fourth. The defending champs head to the league finals without having lost a playoff game.

In May, almost nobody picked the Monarchs to repeat; they certainly look like champions now. Coach Whiz: "We always feel we belong."

Yo Griffith feels so good she's changed plans and won't retire: she had said that this year would be her last.