(AP) The Houston Comets, the only champions the WNBA has ever had, are in an unfamiliar position heading into the WNBA playoffs. They're the No. 2 seed.The Los Angeles Sparks, who swept the three-time defending champions during the regular season, have the top spot as the WNBA playoffs begin tonight."The difference is their maturity," Houston coach Van Chancellor said. "(Coach) Michael Cooper has got them playing together. They are willing to give up the ball for the good of the team so they can dethrone us."But first, Los Angeles (28-4) will need to get past the Phoenix Mercury (20-12) in the best-of-three opening round of the Western Conference playoffs. On Saturday, Houston (27-5) will face the Sacramento Monarchs (21-11).