Western Conference Finals
Houston vs. Sacramento

It was strangely satisfying to see Houston get a little of their own medicine. It was somewhat sad to see Sacramento do what Seattle should have done in their Game 2 against Houston. Sacramento really controlled this game from the outset...with amazing shooting from Kara Lawson and solid interior play from Yolanda Griffith and Rebecca Brunson. DeMya Walker came in off the bench for her second game back from injury and showed she is working her way back to form. She even gave us a little of the standard whining at the officials we are so familiar with.

Each team had three players in double figures, with Houston's star veterans, Swoopes (24), Thompson (13) and Arcain (14) leading the way, and Sacramento's stars Griffith (19), Lawson (18) and Walker (13) cancelling them out. The difference came from the Monarchs bench, with a surprise performance from rookie Kristin Haynie showing an array of drives to the basket and jump shots to add 8 points and an assist in her 14 minutes of play.

Surprisingly missing were 1st time all star Michelle Snow (4pts 3rbs) for the Comets and hero of Game 1 for the Monarchs, Nicole Powell (3 pts, 13% shooting). The Monarchs played so well that Coach Whisenant never had to play the injured Ticha Penicheiro.

Monarch Ratings

Series
Offensive Rating: 103.72
Defensive Rating: 94.55
Differential: +9.17
2005 Playoffs
Offensive Rating: 108.78
Defensive Rating: 96.57
Differential: +12.21

Tomorrow I will take a look at the WNBA Finals and what the season, playoff numbers are as well as take a look at the matchups between these two teams.