San Antonio without Hammon versus Seattle without Bird: who wins? In Texas, it was the Stars, who just managed to hang on after a huge first-half lead.

Erin Buescher was the hero: her career-high 27 points included a crucial late trey. "I don't know if I've seen as good of a quality player in this league as her," said Scowlin' Brian Agler. "I'm so happy she is being rewarded now." (We're happy too-- but we think Agler forgot someone.)

Hammon will return to the lineup Wednesday, when San Antonio meet the Mercury. Is the West's playoff roster already set?