Storm's Jackson overpowers Sparks

LOS ANGELES — The strategy befuddled Storm center Janell Burse.

"What were they kind of thinking putting just one person on Lauren [Jackson], especially on the block?" said Burse of the Los Angeles Sparks' defense. "It was weird, but if they're going to do stuff like that, we're going to exploit it."

The Sparks, without the services of star center Lisa Leslie, dropped a gift in the Storm's lap — single coverage on Jackson to start. She took advantage, unleashing an offensive show filled with driving layups, turnaround jump shots and midrange shots to lead the Storm to an 83-71 win at Staples Center on Sunday.

Jackson, a 6-foot-5 forward, finished with a career-high-tying 35 points and 10 rebounds. She has scored 30 or more points four times this season, and 13 times in her seven-year WNBA career.

But a win was all that was on Jackson's mind as she darted around the court with her signature competitive glare. The Storm had lost three of its past four games entering Sunday, including a two-point defeat at Minnesota on Friday.

"We needed a win desperately, and I said that before the game," Jackson said. "Since Friday, the adversity and everything, we've been trying to win for everybody. We know there's a lot of talent here, and it's time to get on with it."

However, unlike earlier in the season, Jackson stopped herself before claiming the team was over any hump. Seattle hosts the Chicago Sky on Tuesday.

"We've got to stick together," she continued. "It's one thing to say, 'I feel like we're back on track now,' but I've said that before and the next game we lose. Every game we've got to come out with that same feeling, that heart."

The Storm (6-6) pounced quickly and was up 22-12 at the end of the first quarter. Seattle appeared to go into cruise control, particularly with the absence of three-time MVP Leslie inside. Leslie recently gave birth to her first child and is not expected to return until late in the season.

"Normally when Lisa and I play against each other we've got three fouls in the first quarter," said Jackson, who shot 2 for 3 from three-point range. "They're battles. Tonight I was able to take it outside a little bit and I just went out there with a pretty easy, clear mind and wanted to do my own thing, and it was fun."

The Sparks have made a habit of staging comebacks this season, so the Storm defense didn't rest after building a 16-point lead in the third quarter.

Sparks coach Michael Cooper played new trade acquisition Sherill Baker with reserve Sidney Spencer. They combined for seven second-half steals and 18 points to help whittle the deficit. Taj McWilliams-Franklin made two free throws with 3:54 left to cut the Storm's lead to 75-67.

But Betty Lennox scored all six of the Storm's final points to preserve the win.

"We are going to have to fight when they first throw up the ball, not the beginning of the second half," said McWilliams-Franklin, whose team overcame a 21-point deficit to beat Sacramento in double overtime on Friday.

"That's for any team that would have to dig themselves out of a hole game after game after game after game," she added. "Who has the energy to do that every game?"

Jayda Evans: 206-464-2067 or jevans@seattletimes.com