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Jackson helps Storm crush Sparks

Jul 4, 2007 - 3:46 AM SEATTLE (Ticker) -- All-Star Lauren Jackson scored 23 points and Betty Lennox added 18 as the Seattle Storm coasted to a 90-71 triumph over the Los Angeles Sparks on Tuesday night.

On Monday, Jackson was voted as a Western Conference All-Star starter by fans for the third time and will make her sixth appearance overall. She is once again posting MVP-type numbers, leading the league in scoring, rebounding and blocks.

Jackson, who was the MVP during their championship season in 2003, made 7-of-15 shots, including 4-of-7 from 3-point range. The 6-5 Australian native also had five boards and five blocks.

Fellow All-Star Sue Bird finished with 10 points and 11 assists and Iziane Castro-Marques also scored 10 for Seattle, which shot 42 percent (30-of-71) from the field and forced 20 turnovers.

With just a four-point lead after halftime, the Storm pulled away for good in the third, outscoring the Sparks 30-14 in the period to create a 70-50 cushion.

Los Angeles was never able to recover thereafter en route to dropping its third straight game.

Kiesha Brown netted 16 points and Sherill Baker chipped in 14 for the Sparks, who shot 39 percent (23-of-59) and were outscored 28-18 in points in the paint.