Sparks-Storm Preview

By NOEY KUPCHAN
Posted Aug 27 2011 1:50PM

The Los Angeles Sparks' playoff hopes took a huge hit after suffering arguably their most embarrassing loss of the season.

A home-and-home set against the surging Seattle Storm isn't likely to help their postseason chances.

The visiting Sparks look to bounce back from their most recent defeat while the Storm seek a season-best fourth consecutive win Sunday night.

Candace Parker saw her 32-game streak of scoring in double figures come to an end Friday, finishing with seven points as Los Angeles (12-16) fell 77-75 to Tulsa. Sheryl Swoopes made a 16-foot jumper with 2.9 seconds remaining as the Shock snapped their WNBA-record 20-game losing streak.

"We knew this team was desperate for a win," said forward DeLisha Milton-Jones, who had a game-high 24 points and eight rebounds. "Granted, they aren't going to make the playoffs, but they are still hungry."

The fifth-place Sparks, who have made three consecutive playoff appearances, are also in danger of missing out on the postseason. Los Angeles is 1 1/2 games behind San Antonio for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference with six games remaining, but could find itself in a much deeper hole following two meetings with Seattle (16-12).

The Storm's 74-57 win over Tulsa on Thursday was their third win in a row since three-time WNBA MVP Lauren Jackson returned from a hip injury. Jackson scored 14 points in just 15 minutes - including nine in the third quarter.

"Obviously, she didn't play a whole lot tonight which is probably good," coach Brian Agler said. "But she has recovered well after each game."

Despite her limited playing time, having Jackson back on the court seems to be making a world of difference. Seattle, which has climbed into second place in the West, had dropped four of five prior to Jackson's return.

"When you have the best player in the world on your team, it makes a big difference," guard Tanisha Wright said. "She 100 percent opens up a lot of different opportunities for each and every player on the floor. As she gets even more and more comfortable with playing again, a lot more things are going to open up even more."

The Storm, who fell 74-50 at the Sparks on June 19 when Jackson was held to nine points on 3-of-14 shooting, avenged that defeat without Jackson in a 99-80 victory July 9. Seattle has taken eight of nine meetings in this series - including a two-game sweep during last season's conference semifinals.

Coach Agler's team, which is allowing a league-low 70.4 points per game, is a conference best-tying 12-2 at home. Seattle has won 11 of 12 at KeyArena.

The Sparks and Storm conclude their home-and-home set Tuesday to complete their season series.

Bird's 2 free throws lift Storm past Sparks, 65-63

Posted Aug 29 2011 12:37AM

SEATTLE (AP) Sue Bird hit two free throws with 1.6 seconds left in the game to snap a tie, and the Seattle Storm hung on to beat the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday night, 65-63.

Bird finished with 12 points and Lauren Jackson and Tanisha Wright led Seattle (17-12) with 14 points apiece.

Candace Parker scored 19 points to lead Los Angeles (12-17) and made it a double-double with 14 rebounds. Techia Penicheiro also had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Wright, trying to shoot through traffic with the clock winding down, had her shot blocked. But the loose ball came out to Bird at the left of the lane, and she was fouled by Kristi Toliver to earn a trip to the line. Bird swished both shots to clinch Seattle's fourth straight victory.

``Those free throws for any player at the end of the game can be tough. It's just you and the basket,'' Bird said. ``Luckily, the blocked shot ended up in my hands. They (the Sparks) came at me so hard, I just pump-faked, and took the hit.

``I'll take a win any way I can get it,'' she added.

The Sparks had a last-second shot to tie the game, but Tina Thompson's try from the left of the lane bounced off the rim at the buzzer.

Sparks coach Joe Bryant was upset about the call that put Bird on the line.

``I'm not going to say what I think because I don't want to get fined,'' Bryant said. ``I thought we played great defense. It's just sad that it had to end that way because usually, you let the players make the decisions in games. So that was probably the saddest part about it.''

Seattle has beaten the Sparks in nine of their last 10 meetings.

``There's tons of things we can do better,'' Wright said of Tuesday's rematch in Los Angeles. ``Everyone is playing for their playoff lives. They have too many good players - you can't afford to relax.''

The defending champion Storm reduced their magic number to one to qualify for the WNBA playoffs. Los Angeles fell two games behind San Antonio for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference with five games left.

• Sparks: --
• Storm: --

• Sparks: --
• Storm: --

• Lead Changes: 3
• Times Tied: 5

• Arena: Key Arena, Seattle, WA
• Officials: #18 Kurt Walker, #13 Cameron Inouye, #17 Scott Twardoski
• Attendance: 9686
• Duration: 1:58