Shock Loses Laimbeer Debut

Bill Laimbeer knew he had a lot of work ahead when he accepted his first WNBA coaching job.

Friday, he found out how much.

Detroit extended its WNBA-record worst start to 0-11 with an 80-59 loss to the Orlando Miracle before a crowd of 5,862 at Auburn Hills, Mich. It tied the league mark for longest losing streak in league history.

“Well, I knew this wasn’t going to be easy,” Laimbeer said. “I’ve only had one practice with the team, so tonight was a chance for me to watch and learn. ... The biggest thing I learned tonight is that our offense needs a total overhaul.”

Nykesha Sales led Orlando (6-3) with 24 points. Detroit rookie Swin Cash scored 20 points.

“I think today is still a positive,” Detroit’s Dominique Canty said. “Bill knows how to win, and he’s a very laid-back, fun guy. He’s going to keep us up, and that’s what we need right now.”

Houston 61, Phoenix 59--Sheryl Swoopes made a three-point shot at the buzzer to give the Comets (8-3) the victory before 10,460 at Houston. Lisa Harrison gave the Mercury (5-3) a 59-58 lead with one second left in the game, but Swoopes took an inbounds pass from Coquese Washington and made the winning shot from the corner. The Comets were down by as many as 17 points before Swoopes scored 22 of her 27 points over the final 15 minutes.

Washington 65, Miami 60--Chamique Holdsclaw scored 19 points, including two free throws with 19 seconds remaining, as the Mystics (8-2) held off the Sol (2-7) before 10,412 at Miami.

Cleveland 80, New York 69--Chasity Melvin scored a career-high 30 points and Jennifer Rizzotti doubled her previous best with 14 assists to lead the Rockers (3-5) before 9,601 at Cleveland. Vickie Johnson scored 19 points for New York (7-5).

Seattle 63, Indiana 51--Kamila Vodichkova scored 20 points and Sue Bird added 16 as the Storm (5-6) snapped a three-game losing streak with the victory over the Fever (5-6) before 5,232 at Seattle.