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The W.N.B.A. has never attracted more attention. But, increasingly, the conversation around the league can overshadow the game itself--and its players.

Teams get hot, then cold; they get lucky, then unlucky. Records rarely paint a full picture of a season--especially for fans determined to believe in another comeback story.

Already the title favorites, the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired the league's best pitcher at the trade deadline--and may have insured a lockout after the season.