HOUSTON, May 27 (UPI) -- In her return to the court, Sheryl Swoopes scored 15 points Monday but was overshadowed by Lisa Leslie as the Los Angeles Sparks posted a 68-55 WNBA victory over the Houston Comets.
Swoopes led the Comets to their fourth consecutive WNBA title in 2000 but missed last season after suffering a torn ACL in training camp. Without Swoopes, the Comets had their dynasty dethorned by the Sparks, with Leslie leading the way.
Leslie stole some Swoopes' thunder in this one and helped spoil the Comets' season opener as she scored 22 points and grabbed 17 rebounds.
Leslie also keyed a 23-8 run over the final 11:06 of the first half that gave Los Angeles a 37-30 lead.
DeLisha Milton added 15 points and Nikki Teasley 12 for the Sparks, who dominated in the paint as they held a commanding 41-24 rebounding advantage.
Tina Thompson had 14 points and Janeth Arcain 13 for Houston. The Comets' big three had no help as five reserves failed to register a point.
