SPARKS TONIGHT

vs. Phoenix, 7:30

Site--Staples Center.

Radio--KPLS (830).

Records--Sparks 9-1, Mercury 6-3.

Record vs. Mercury (2001)--3-0.

Update--After 10 games last year the Sparks were 9-1 and looking like the best team in the WNBA. Not much has changed. They have the same record after 10 games this season and are looking like the team to beat for the title. One difference: Guard Mwadi Mabika is emerging as the force on offense that the Sparks have always felt she could be. Mabika is averaging a career-best 13.7 points, second on the team behind Lisa Leslie, and has added the ability to drive to the basket to her textbook jump shot. Phoenix is in fourth place in the West, but the Mercury has beaten Eastern powers Washington and Charlotte and is off to its best start since 2000 when it won eight of its first 11. The Mercury is getting steady play from guard Gordana Grubin (11.8 points), who played for the Sparks in 1999, and Adrain Williams, a former USC standout who ranks 10th in the league in rebounds at 7.4.

Tickets--(877) 962-2849 or (213) 480-3232.