The 2004 Houston Comets featured a balanced veteran core led by Sheryl Swoopes, whose all-around production powered the team’s scoring, playmaking, rebounding, and defense. Tina Thompson provided consistent frontcourt scoring and rebounding, while Dawn Staley orchestrated the offense and Michelle Snow added efficient interior play and rim protection. Houston combined disciplined ball movement, strong defense, and balanced scoring, with its experienced lineup contributing across multiple facets of the game.
Thompson became Houston’s primary offensive focal point, carrying a heavier scoring burden after the dynasty years. Opposing defenses regularly sent extra attention toward her in the post and at the elbows, while Associated Press and local coverage noted how she was forced to create difficult shots as the Comets struggled for consistent offense. (The Washington Post)
WNBA All-Star (2004); All-WNBA Second Team (2004)
Sheryl Swoopes
Starter/Star (1.1)
34.5
High (1.2)
14.8
4.9
2.9
2.0
64.9
Swoopes remained Houston’s emotional leader and top perimeter defender while balancing playmaking with scoring. Houston media continued to praise her complete two-way influence even as injuries and roster turnover left her carrying a larger leadership role than box scores alone suggested. (Houston Press)
WNBA All-Star (2004); WNBA Defensive Player of the Year (2004); All-WNBA First Team (2004); WNBA All-Defensive First Team (2004)
Michelle Snow
Starter/Star (1.1)
28.8
Medium (1.1)
8.9
7.7
1.0
2.0
47.2
Snow developed into Houston’s interior anchor, protecting the rim and cleaning the defensive glass while taking on tougher frontcourt matchups. Season coverage frequently pointed to her emergence as one of the few bright spots during a difficult year. (Basketball Reference)
None
Kedra Holland-Corn
Key Contributor (1.05)
26.0
Low (1.0)
6.6
2.4
2.0
1.6
26.5
Holland-Corn filled a valuable secondary guard role, defending opposing ball handlers and providing timely perimeter shooting. During Thompson’s injury absence, independent game coverage highlighted her expanded offensive responsibility and confidence. (The Washington Post)
None
Sheila Lambert
Key Contributor (1.05)
23.2
Low (1.0)
5.8
2.0
2.6
0.9
23.7
Lambert handled backup point guard duties with an aggressive style, often pushing tempo and creating opportunities for teammates. Coaches accepted occasional turnovers because of the pace she brought to the second unit.
None
Dominique Canty
Key Contributor (1.05)
24.1
Low (1.0)
5.5
2.6
2.0
1.0
23.3
Canty provided defensive versatility off the bench, guarding multiple backcourt positions while adding transition energy. Independent reporting consistently described her value as extending well beyond her scoring totals.
None
Tiffani Johnson
Key Contributor (1.05)
20.0
Low (1.0)
4.3
3.7
0.8
0.8
20.1
Johnson embraced a physical interior role, setting sturdy screens and battling opposing post players for rebounds. Her offensive touches were limited, but Houston relied on her toughness in the paint.
None
Felicia Ragland
Bench (1.0)
15.2
Low (1.0)
3.5
2.0
1.1
0.8
14.8
Ragland supplied athletic wing depth and was frequently asked to defend on the perimeter. Contemporary independent coverage of her season remained limited because of her reserve role.
None
Octavia Blue
Bench (1.0)
11.9
Low (1.0)
3.4
1.6
0.4
0.1
11.0
Blue contributed short scoring bursts off the bench and attacked the basket when opportunities appeared. Independent reporting focused mainly on Houston’s larger rotation issues rather than her individual production.
None
Lucienne Berthieu
Bench (1.0)
8.4
Low (1.0)
2.3
1.7
0.3
0.5
9.6
Berthieu filled reserve frontcourt minutes with rebounding and defensive effort whenever called upon. Contemporary independent coverage of her season was limited due to her small workload.
None
Pollyanna Johns Kimbrough
Bench (1.0)
8.3
Low (1.0)
1.2
1.5
0.1
0.4
6.4
Johns Kimbrough served as experienced frontcourt depth after joining the club before the season. Most independent reporting mentioned her veteran presence more than her statistical contributions. (Wikipedia)
None
LaTonya Johnson
Bench (1.0)
6.0
Low (1.0)
1.0
0.2
0.2
0.3
3.4
Johnson appeared sparingly and was used primarily as emergency depth. Independent season-specific reporting on her role was very limited.
None
Gordana Grubin
Bench (1.0)
4.8
Low (1.0)
0.4
0.2
0.0
0.0
1.2
Grubin saw only brief appearances and remained outside the regular rotation. Limited contemporary independent coverage was available because of her minimal playing time.
