Four WNBA games tonight

Shock 78, Mystics 62. Is Tulsa getting better, or is Washington getting worse?

The Silver Stars continue their hot streak - seven games in a row, to be exact - by defeating the Liberty, 94-81. Suddenly, the Western Conference looks completely different.

The Sparks had no trouble handling an Angel McCoughtry-less Dream, 79-63. McCoughtry sustained a strained MCL several weeks ago, and didn't make the road trip with the team, which included last night's game at Phoenix, because the knee was bothering her.

Sue Bird, who didn't play last night with a strained hip flexor, went off for 31 points tonight against the Mercury, leading the Storm to an 83-68 victory.

The following are my questions and quotes from tonight's Dream at Sparks matchup. The Meadors interview was a one-on-one; the Ross interview was in a group; the Parker interview was in a group, but then I got some one-on-one time that I will quote out on my next post. Tonight's quotes:

Marynell Meadors:

(On McCoughtry's absence)

"It's definitely a huge impact on us. She's the leading scorer in the lead and she does a lot of things defensively that create offensive opportunities for us, and taking her out of the lineup effects our team and a lot of game outcomes."

(On how they prepared for tonight's game coming off a double-overtime contest last night)

"I was real proud of our team because I thought we fought hard the entire game and we never gave up. Our bench came in and played hard, and they played a lot of minutes last night. We had Sancho Lyttle played 48 minutes last night. And you look at our stats and there were a lot of (players) that were in the 40s, and that's really tough to play double overtime and then play another game less than 24 hours later. I felt like our legs were very heavy tonight."

(On facing former assistant coach Carol Ross, now head coach of the Sparks)

"We know exactly what each other's going to do - it's like cat and mouse. But she's done a terrific job with the Sparks and getting that turnaround. They've got somebody that they really need to keep around for a while, because the players really enjoy playing for her, and they've got great chemistry on their team. I look for them to do well in the playoffs."

Carol Ross:

"I'm extremely proud of them. Every team is going to get knocked to the mat in this league, but it's how you get up. I thought we responded to rest and practice, and I thought we were really focused in on these three home games.....Atlanta was a team that spanked us, so it's good to spank them back."

(On facing her former team)

“It felt a lot better to go against them this time because we won. Anytime you spend a lot of time with a team and a group of players, there’s always a bond there. I love my players, whether they’re past or present. I’ve got special feelings for the Atlanta franchise but my moment is right here with LA. I couldn’t be happier to beat them and get the win.”

Candace Parker:

“We know that we had it a little bit easier because we played at home last night, we didn’t have to travel. We got to sleep in our beds, so we knew it was going to be tough for them. We just wanted to make it a running game and hope that we had more rest than them.”

(On how the team chemistry seems to be coming back)

"At times we're one of the greatest teams in the league, and at times we're one of the worst. (Our evil side) is less and less, and that's all you can hope going into the break."