Los Angeles takes over as the new No. 1 in AP power poll
NEW YORK (AP) Move over Minnesota, there's a new No. 1 in the WNBA poll.
The Los Angeles Sparks took over the top spot after splitting a pair of games with the Lynx last week.
The Sparks garnered 13 of the 14 first place votes on Tuesday in The Associated Press WNBA power poll . Minnesota, which received the other vote, fell to second. The Lynx had been first in the poll the first seven weeks.
''I think these polls are good. It's sort of like the rankings in college,'' Sparks coach Brian Agler said. ''... It starts debate and conversation about the league and teams and comparisons. We're one of several good teams in this league.''
The Sparks host Dallas on Tuesday night.
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POWER POLL: Los Angeles and Minnesota flipped spots up top. Connecticut and San Antonio are tied at the bottom. A look at this week's WNBA poll:
1. Los Angeles (13-1): The Sparks have a busy week as the new No. 1 with three games.
2. Minnesota (13-2): So much for the perfect season, the Lynx will try and end a two-game skid.
3. New York (10-5): A difficult road trip looms with games in Minnesota, Phoenix and Los Angeles.
4. Washington (8-8): Mystics continue to climb up standings thanks to play of Emma Meesseman and Tayler Hill.
5. Atlanta (8-6): In midst of season-worst three-game skid. Life doesn't get easier with upcoming road trip.
6. Dallas (7-8): The Wings have won four of their past five games.
7. Phoenix (6-9): Mercury seem to have righted the ship with wins in Washington and New York. Look to keep it going at home.
8. Chicago (6-8): Inconsistent effort on defensive end has led struggles for consistent in the win column.
9. Indiana (6-9): Have dropped five of past seven games.
10. Seattle (5-9): A quiet week with just one game which the Storm won in a rout. Look to build off that victory with two home games.
11. Connecticut (3-12): Traded Kelsey Bone to Phoenix on Saturday. Now they play against her on Wednesday.
11. San Antonio (3-11): Good news was they were victorious on Becky Hammon jersey retirement night. Bad news is they have a three-game road trip now.
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PLAYER OF THE WEEK: For the second consecutive week Tina Charles earned AP player of the week honors. She helped the Liberty to two wins this week by averaging 23.3 points, 10 rebounds, 6.3 assists. Other players receiving votes were Nneka Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver of Los Angeles. Breanna Stewart of Seattle and Diana Taurasi of Phoenix also garnered votes.
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CELEBRATION: The Lynx were honored at the White House on Monday for their title last season. It's their third trip to visit the president in the past five years. Coach Cheryl Reeve son Oliver stole the show, getting a high-five from President Barack Obama.
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NEAR TRIPLE DOUBLES: There have been five triple-doubles in the 20-year history of the WNBA. The league almost had two more in the last eight days. Charles fell one rebound short against Atlanta and Connecticut's guard Jasmine Thomas also missed by a board. She had 11 points and a career-high 10 assists, and almost had what would have been a career-high 10th rebound in the final seconds after Moriah Jefferson missed a free throw. She could not hang on to the ball, however, and settled for tying a career best for rebounds.
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GAME OF THE WEEK: Liberty at Sparks, 5 p.m. ET on Sunday night. The Liberty are 0-3 against the Lynx and Sparks this season and 10-2 against the rest of the league. New York got blown out in their last trip to LA.