Chicago turns to Cowens

Basketball Hall of Famer and Boston Celtics star Dave Cowens was hired yesterday to coach and be the general manager of Chicago's expansion WNBA team.

Cowens, 57, a seven-time NBA All-Star who also coached in the league, said the challenge of launching Chicago's team in May 2006 drew him to the job.

''This seemed like an adventure, this seemed like something a little bit different, so I put it all together and decided this was the best thing for me to do," Cowens said.

Cowens played 10 of his 11 seasons with Boston, winning the MVP in 1973. In 1996, he was named one of the league's 50 greatest players.

He later coached the Charlotte Hornets (1996-99) and Golden State Warriors (2000-02).

The team also hired Doug Bruno, DePaul's women's coach, as a consultant.

Team president Margaret Stender said the team's nickname will be announced in July.

Sparks 84, Mystics 75 -- Chamique Holdsclaw had 27 points and 10 rebounds and Los Angeles overcame a record 15 3-pointers by Washington, beating the host Mystics.

Tamika Whitmore also scored 21 points for the Sparks.

Mercury 68, Sting 58 -- Anna DeForge scored 20 points and Diana Taurasi added 19 to lead Phoenix to a victory over host Charlotte. Shereka Wright scored 17 points for the Mercury, who avoided the first 0-3 start in team history.

Fever 67, Liberty 59 -- Kelly Miller had 19 points to lead Indiana over host New York.