Hammonites around the world must be feeling great. Becky Hammon poured in 30 points as her Silver Stars moved a step closer to the Western Conference finals for the second year in a row.

While San Antonio shot an impressive 60% from the floor and even better from that from three point range, Sacramento did not go down quietly. The Monarchs trailed by as many as 22 points early in the third quarter before they staged their comeback behind a determined Ticha Penicheiro.

The PG, who turned 34 yesterday, was as Ailene Voisin writes, "a delight to watch even in defeat." And her coach agrees. "Incredible," Jenny Boucek said. "Conventional wisdom says you can't get better (at age 34), but Ticha has."

With Rebekkah Brunson out for the season, DeMya Walker still coming back from her injury and the Silver Stars playing as well as they are, not many people will be picking the Monarchs. But that does not mean Sacramento will go down without a fight. "We still believe," Boucek said. "You just keep fighting, possession after possession. You never know what could happen."