SPARKS TONIGHT at Washington, 4

Update -- It has only been one game, but Los Angeles finds itself in unfamiliar surroundings -- last place in the Western Conference and trying to avoid its first 0-2 start since 1997. The Sparks have some making up to do after getting routed in Seattle on Saturday, 93-67. Spark Coach Michael Cooper met with New Orleans Hornet officials Sunday about their NBA coaching vacancy and rejoined the Sparks in Washington on Monday. The Mystics evened their season record with a 68-67 win over Indiana on Sunday. Chamique Holdsclaw, who had 17 points and 10 rebounds, scored the winning field goal with 10 seconds to play.

-- Mike Terry