Sparks Pull Off A Shock of Their Own

Sparks 63, Shock 60

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., May 29 -- Nikki Teasley scored 12 of her 15 points after halftime to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a 63-60 comeback win over the Detroit Shock on Saturday in a rematch of last year's WNBA finals.

Before its home opener in front of 12,841, the Shock -- which almost folded the year before winning the title -- was presented with championship rings and watched a banner go to the rafters.

Then, Detroit lost a 13-point lead with 12-plus minutes left even though Sparks star Lisa Leslie was on the bench with 2 minutes 35 seconds left.

After Leslie fouled out with 12 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks, Los Angeles scored 12 straight points to take a 63-57 lead with 17 seconds left.

Detroit's Swin Cash (17 points) made a three-pointer with 6.8 seconds to go, then Mwadi Mabika missed two free throws to set up a chance for Detroit to force overtime. But Deanna Nolan missed a three-pointer just before the buzzer.