Storm Tracker (July 4-10)
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| storm.wnba.com PLAYER OF THE WEEK | |||||
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Betty Lennox
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July 4-10 Record for the week: 0-1 Overall Record: 8-9 Standing: 5th, Western Conference |
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Kevin Pelton, storm.wnba.com
| June 28, 2005 - Recap | Box | Quotes/Notes |
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Anna DeForge hit a seemingly innocent 3-pointer. It proved to open the flood gates, as the Mercury caught fire and went on a 20-2 run over the next five-plus minutes, blowing the game wide open. Seattle never again got the lead under double-digits as Phoenix picked up a 73-61 victory. The Storm's trio of 
Sue Bird, 
Lauren Jackson and Lennox rebounded from a recent slump to combine for 48 points and 23 rebounds, but the rest of the team added just 13 points. Penny Taylor scored 17 for the Mercury, while the backcourt of DeForge (15) and Diana Taurasi (14) combined for 29 points.
Weekly Happenings
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After Wednesday's game, the Storm roster split up. Most of the players returned to Seattle for a much-needed weekend off, but the coaching staff, Bird and Jackson headed for Connecticut for the 2005 WNBA All-Star Game.
Friday was Bird's chance to shine. Along with practices for both the Eastern and Western Conferences, Friday was also the All-Star Skills Challenge, as eight players put their ability to shoot, dribble and pass to the test on a course constructed on the Mohegan Sun Arena court. Bird, who finished second to Charlotte's Dawn Staley when the competition was last held in 2003, emerged victorious this time, defeating New York's Becky Hammon in the finals.
Saturday brought the All-Star Game itself, and was arguably the greatest show in WNBA history. The West lit up the scoreboard, blowing away the previous record for All-Star scoring with a 122-99 victory. With the win, Anne Donovan joined Van Chancellor and Michael Cooper as the only coaches to win the All-Star Game (she's also the first coach to coach both conferences). With 14 points, Bird was one of seven Western Conference players to score in double-figures. Bird hit five of her six shot attempts, grabbed four rebounds and handed out three assists. Jackson scored nine points, had four rebounds and three steals.
"As far as I'm concerned, this one's the best," said Bird afterwards. "Obviously you guys know this, but this is definitely by far in my opinion the best All Star Game that the WNBA has put on yet."
"You've got the best players in the world out there competing," added Donovan. "You've got a lot of points on the board. You've got rebounds, you've got a dunk. What more do you want? Just a great experience."
Around the Web
a complete recap of the All-Star Game.
previews the All-Star Game and takes a look back at the first half of the season.
the Storm's mindset coming back from a disappointing road trip.
The Week Ahead
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