Howdy,

When you follow a team, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking yours is the only one that ever struggles. Or is the only team that can't maintain a large lead. Or the only team in which good opposing players suddenly perform like Hall Of Famers.

Heard the wail, "Why does this only happen to us?," countless times during nine years at Neon Uncasville. Bet a few Connecticut Sun fans said that during Sunday's harrowing 76-71 win over the Indiana Fever.

Here's the thing — every team has it's ups-and-downs. Pain, blues and agony aren't exclusive to your favorite squadron.

Take the Los Angeles Sparks, for instance. They'd won two in a row since firing head coach Jennifer Gillom and promoting Joe Bryant. One of those wins was at San Antonio (84-74, July 12), which has been one of the WNBA's best teams this season.

Los Angeles played host to the floundering Washington Mystics Sunday. The Mystics have been without injured starters Alana Beard and Monique Currie all season, lost six in a row, and were dead last in the Eastern Conference.

Washington is also the only team to lose to the Tulsa Shock this season (77-59, June 18).

The Sparks had a 24-point lead (51-27) with eight minutes, 45 seconds left in the third quarter.

The Sparks had a 16-point lead (61-45) with over nine minutes left in the game.

Washington won in overtime, 89-85.

Let us repeat — Los Angeles had a 24-point lead. Washington won in overtime.

The Mystics — the 3-10 Mystics — set the record for the largest second-half comeback in WNBA history.

Washington's Matee Ajavon had a career shooting percentage of 34.5-percent prior to Sunday.

Ajavon made 10 of 18 shots against Los Angeles.

Ajavon averaged 14.4 points this season prior to Sunday.

Ajavon scored a game-high 29 against Los Angeles.

So the next time your favorite team plays haphazardly, just remember — they're not the only ones.

Besides, only Cleveland fans have the right to complain. Those poor souls have to deal with three jinxed teams.

Vaya con dios….