Seattle Storm's Swin Cash courtesy WNBA
WNBA rookie Candace Parker lived up to the hype in her debut game last week: 34 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists in the L.A. Sparks' victory over the Phoenix Mercury. But here’s one number that didn’t make the stat sheet: 1.07 million viewers for the game, on ABC. That may not sound like much, but it's a 35 percent increase over last year’s tip-off game. Credit the buzz surrounding Parker’s arrival for the boost.Parker’s potential and the return of Lisa Leslie have most experts picking the Sparks to win the league title this year. But don’t underestimate the newly revamped Seattle Storm. The team is lead by reigning league MVP Lauren Jackson and All-Star point guard Sue Bird. And after being knocked out of last year's playoffs in the first round, the Storm added some serious star power to its roster: Sheryl Swoopes, Swin Cash and Yolanda Griffiths have seven WNBA championship rings between them. On Saturday they face the San Antonio Silver Stars (May ...
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Alyssa Milano by Donato Sardella/ WireImage.com
Most All-Star games are dullsville — did anyone watch last night's Pro Bowl? — but the NBA does its best to keep interesting. The annual NBA All-Star Celebrity Game is often an amusing spectacle leading up to the big game. This year's eclectic collection of singers, actors and WNBA players should keep that tradition going. Ne-Yo? Taylor Hicks? Ando from Heroes?Alyssa Milano and Gabrielle Union will coach the two teams. Access Hollywood co-anchor Tony Potts, who was MVP of last year's game, will be on the floor for Milano's squad.Here are the two teams, which will face off Friday (Feb. 15, 7 pm/ET, ESPN) at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans:New Orleans Team: Ne-Yo (Grammy-winning singer) Zach Gilford (Friday Night Lights) Taylor Hicks (2006 American Idol winner) Seth Gilliam (The Wire) James Lafferty (One Tree Hill) Master P (rapper and Dancing With the Stars alum) Ruth Riley (WNBA All-Star, San Antonio S...
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