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Sparks-Storm Preview

May 15, 2010 - 10:30 PM By KATE HEDLIN STATS Writer

Los Angeles (0-0) at Seattle (0-0), 9:00 p.m. EDT

The Seattle Storm didn't make many changes in the offseason, but with an aging starting lineup, that may end up being to their detriment later in the season.

Lauren Jackson and the Storm begin their season Sunday when they host the Los Angeles Sparks.

Seattle is one of the Western Conference's most consistent teams, recording 20 wins in four of the past six seasons, including the last two. However, in recent years, the team hasn't been able to translate its regular season success into a deep run in the playoffs, losing in the first round in five straight years - the last two to the Sparks.

The Storm feature a trio of All-Stars that is a big reason they've been so successful. Jackson, a two-time MVP, and Sue Bird are back for a ninth consecutive year. Swin Cash returns for a third straight season in Seattle.

All three, though, realize their window to get back to the WNBA finals may be closing after Seattle won the league championship in 2004. They all missed time late last season because of injuries, and Jackson in particular has struggled to stay healthy, missing the playoffs the last two years.

"I think if you look at each of the last five seasons in some ways there were times that we kind of blew it and there were times when you look at injuries or we were unlucky," Bird said. "And in this league each team is so good, so competitive, that you have to have a little bit of luck on your side. You need some luck on your side, just a little bit."

Jackson averaged 19.2 points in 2008-09 but missed the final six games of the regular season and all of the playoffs with a stress fracture in her back. She signed a multiyear deal with the Storm in March, almost ensuring the 29-year-old Australian will end her career in Seattle.

"You can check that off my list of things that have to get done," coach Brian Agler said. "How that affects our team depends on our mental outlook going into this season. It will be interesting what our outlook is."

The Sparks, meanwhile, will try to put a 78-77 season-opening loss to the Mercury on Saturday behind them.

Candace Parker scored 24 points, grabbed 12 rebounds and hit a key basket in the final minute that gave Los Angeles a 75-72 lead. However, Phoenix answered with a basket and Parker missed her next shot, then the Mercury hit four straight free throws for the win.

With many of its players just returning from overseas commitments and a new coach in Jennifer Gillom, Los Angeles may suffer through a slow start.

"The system is new to everybody," guard Ticha Penicheiro said. "Because coach Jen just took over so it's just a matter of time, sometimes it's hard to jell from Day 1."

The Sparks lost both regular season games in Seattle last season, but won one of their two postseason visits en route to a 2-1 win in that conference semifinal series.