SEATTLE – Center Lisa Leslie awakened Sunday morning and knew she did not want to end her career in Seattle.  She wants to end her career on her own terms in her own city, preferably with a third championship ring.  The Los Angeles Sparks made certain her morning wish still has a chance as they used stifling defense to end the Seattle Storm’s season with a 75-64 win before 8,159 disappointed Seattle fans at Key Arena.

Storm CEO Karen Bryant, surrounded by the team, thanks Seattle fans for ten years of being "the best fans in women's basketball." Photo by chuckarelei.

Before the game, Storm head coach Brian Agler indicated that it was key for his team get to the free-throw line early.  Seattle started the game with that plan in mind, but the Sparks' formidable front court of Leslie and forwards Candace Parker and Tina Thompson managed to lock up the area around the basket.  Seattle’s players ran into the Sparks' defenders, repeatedly leading to missed shots, blocked shots and much frustration for the Storm and their fans.

Leslie felt they were able to learn a lot from their first two games in the series.  “Having to play a team three times … I mean, you kind of figure out what everyone’s tendencies are more than anything else.  That was something I thought we were able to take advantage of with our size.”

The Storm went for more than eight minutes without a field goal to start the game when Sue Bird managed a pair of jumpers.  After shooting a miserable 19 percent from the field in the first quarter, the Storm did not fare much better in the second, ending the half on another near eight-minute shooting drought.  The officials seemed focused on a setting a tone for the game and the teams combined to shoot 33 free throws in the first half alone.  Guards Tanisha Wright and Shannon Johnson combined for seven fouls in the the first half while Thompson and Leslie combined for six. 

The partisan Seattle crowd made sure the officials were aware of their opinion of the way the game was called, booing the referees at several calls, as well as when they exited and returned to the court for half time.

Unlike Friday evening, the Sparks did not lose their focus in the second half and did not allow Seattle to bring the game in closer than nine points. 

Leslie knew that was important. “I just think we did a really good job of maintaining our composure,” she said.

The Storm were unable to capitalize on a number of Sparks miscues, and the Sparks were able to answer most Storm runs.  In the end the Storm were forced to suffer their fifth consecutive first-round loss, and their second in a row to the Sparks.

The Sparks were led by a strong performance from 2008 MVP Candace Parker, whose 22 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and two assists demonstrated she continues to return to form and improve after her return from the birth of her first child in May. 

Starters Leslie, Thompson and Delisha Milton-Jones added 13, 12 and 11 points respectively, along with solid rebounding, which allowed the Sparks a 10-rebound edge on the Storm for the game.  Betty Lennox off the bench added eight points, three steals and an assist.

The Storm were led by another strong game from forward Swin Cash, who provided a double-double with 21 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. 

“I thought Swin had a great series," Agler said.  "You know, Swin is the ultimate competitor.  She played her best basketball of the year in this series.”

Sue Bird added 15 points, six rebounds and two assists while Camille Little was able to score 11 and reserve center Suzy Batkovic eight.

Los Angeles will face the winner of Monday evening’s game between San Antonio and Phoenix.  Seattle will take some time off to retool for the 2011 season. 

“Going through the first year of a mandatory 11-person roster, I think all the teams are going to reevaluate how they do things,” said Agler on his next steps.  While he didn’t have the answer on how he needs to structure next season’s team today, he now has the opportunity to reflect on that question for next summer.