SEATTLE, Sept. 19 (Ticker) -- The top teams in the Western Conference didn't look like they had nothing to play for.

Nikki Teasley scored 21 points to lead all five starters scored in double figures as the Los Angeles Sparks held off the Seattle Storm 83-80 in a possible Western Conference finals preview.

Coming into the season finale for both teams, Los Angeles (25-9) had already clinched the top seed in the West while Seattle (20-14) was locked into the No. 2 seed.

With the Sparks leading 81-77, Sue Bird nailed a 3-pointer with 23 seconds left to cut the deficit to one point. Teasley, who also had 11 assists, buried two free throws with 16 seconds remaining.

The Storm had a chance to tie, but Sheri Sam, who scored 21 points, had a 3-point shot deflected and Betty Lennox's last-second shot rimmed out.

The Sparks trailed by as many as eight points after two free throws by Sam with 5:13 left in the first half but went on a 17-4 run to take a 41-36 lead. Lisa Leslie, who finished with 18 points, and Mwadi Mabika spearheaded the charge.

Los Angeles never trailed thereafter and led by as many as 12 points with 12:04 to go. Seattle rallied with a 14-4 run capped by Sam's layup that made it 68-66 with 7:25 left.

Lauren Jackson scored 22 points and Bird added 16 for the Storm.