SPARKS TODAY

at New York

1 p.m., Channel 4

* Site--Madison Square Garden.

* Radio--KPLS (830).

* Records--Sparks 8-2, Liberty 5-6.

* Record vs. Liberty (1999)--1-1.

* Update--While the Sparks have won four in a row, New York has been struggling. Since May 31, the Liberty has alternated wins and losses, but remains within striking distance of the Eastern Conference lead. New York shot 52% and got 16 points from reserve Becky Hammon in a 69-60 victory Friday at Indiana. Guard Vickie Johnson is averaging 12.4 points . New York, to fill the void while Rebecca Lobo recovers from a second knee surgery, obtained 6-foot-1 Tari Phillips from Portland for Carolyn Jones May 28. Against Indiana, Hammon and Teresa Weatherspoon were both four for four from the free-throw line in the last 3:54. For the Sparks, Lisa Leslie is averaging nine rebounds, and is second in the WNBA in double-doubles (five) and blocked shots (2.60). Monday, the Sparks play at Washington.