SPARKS TONIGHT

vs. Detroit, 7:30, ESPN2

Site -- Staples Center.

Records -- Sparks 21-8, Shock 14-16.

Record vs. Shock -- 1-0.

Update -- The Sparks ended their seven-game winning streak Wednesday, with a 72-58 loss to Phoenix. The victory also ended an 18-game losing streak, including playoffs, the Mercury had suffered at the hands of the Sparks dating to July 17, 1999. Lisa Leslie continued making a strong case for the league MVP with 20 points and 14 rebounds.

Defending league champion Detroit, battling to make the playoffs this season, did not help itself by losing to Seattle, enabling to the Storm to close to within three games of the Sparks in the Western Conference. Shock forward Swin Cash is having a solid year, averaging 16.9 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.4 assists.

--Mike Terry