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Storm can't clinch playoff berth against pesky Sparks

Aug 31, 2011 - 5:03 AM Los Angeles, CA (Sports Network) - Candace Parker scored 27 points and grabbed seven boards to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to a critical 68-62 victory over the Seattle Storm.

Tina Thompson and Ebony Hoffman scored 12 and 11 points, respectively, for the Sparks, who remained 1 1/2 games behind San Antonio for the Western Conference's final playoff spot.

The Storm, on the other hand, were denied a playoff-clinching victory. They had won four straight games since Lauren Jackson returned from a torn hip labrum, but could not overcome a lackluster 37.9 percent shooting effort.

Sue Bird paced the Storm, who are seeking a WNBA record-tying eighth consecutive playoff berth, with 15 points, while Jackson added 14, despite going 3-of-13 from the floor.

The Sparks held a 32-24 lead after two quarters and did not relinquish the advantage in the second half. They led by as many as nine in the final stanza.

Seattle's magic number remains at one.