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Storm rally past Liberty in Jackson's return

Aug 21, 2011 - 4:20 AM Seattle, WA (Sports Network) - Sue Bird and Katie Smith made a pair of three- pointers late in the fourth quarter, as the Seattle Storm rallied past the New York Liberty, 63-62, in Lauren Jackson's return to the lineup.

An ugly hip injury in late June put the season of Jackson in jeopardy. A quick recovery led to Jackson's return.

The three-time WNBA MVP led the team with 20 points and seven rebounds in nearly 22 minutes of action.

Bird and Smith had 14 and six points, respectively, for the Storm, who snapped a two-game skid. Camille Little tallied 11 points and five boards.

Plenette Pierson finished with 15 points and five rebounds for the Liberty, who had a two-game winning streak snapped. Essence Carson and Cappie Pondexter had 12 points apiece.

Kara Braxton's three-pointer with 2:22 to play gave New York a 62-57 edge. Bird and Smith followed with shots from beyond the arc around Pierson's turnover to give Seattle a 63-62 lead.

Braxton was called for an offensive charge at the other end. Bird was off the mark with a three-pointer and Ashley Robinson pulled down a key offensive rebound. Pondexter, however, stole the ball from Robinson to give the Liberty a chance.

Kia Vaughn, who had 11 points, missed a jumper with 6.9 seconds left. Swin Cash pulled down a big defensive rebound to seal Seattle's victory.