Notebook | Storm hopeful of staying, despite recent comments

While many in Seattle are using recent statements from new Oklahoma-based owners as confirmation that the Sonics and Storm are gone, All-Star Lauren Jackson still has faith in some of the eight businessmen.

Minority owner Aubrey McClendon told The Journal Record of Oklahoma City that the original intent of purchasing the teams was to move them to Oklahoma City. Clay Bennett, who speaks for the group and is majority owner, said the teams would relocate only if unable to secure a deal for a new facility for the teams by an Oct. 31 deadline.

The group has until March 1, 2008 to file for relocation with the NBA. The Sonics intend to play their 2007-08 season at KeyArena, but Bennett has been noncommittal about the Storm's fate for 2008. The organization is accepting ticket renewals, however.

Jackson, who was drafted No. 1 overall by the Storm in 2001, has remained firm that she will not play in Oklahoma City. She has one more season left on her contract while guard Sue Bird, who, like Jackson owns property in Seattle, becomes a free agent at the end of this season. She signed a one-year deal because of the uncertainty.

"It's a shame for him to say something like that," said Jackson of McClendon. "Especially when we're at the end of our season and making a run. But right from the beginning Bennett and the other owners have been really supportive of the Storm and keeping the teams here. What's one guy? I don't even really know who he is."

Minority owner William Cameron has attended a few Storm road games. He also treated the team to dinner with his family in Houston.

Storm coach Anne Donovan and guard Betty Lennox said they have not allowed the sale or arena news to distract them. Others have said it can be a distraction.

"It's definitely something that we talk about," Bird said. "But it doesn't change much. I'll probably have more of an opinion in October."

Lennox fine

Results from Lennox's MRI on her left wrist showed only a bone bruise. Lennox had the examination Monday because she has had a problem with the wrist since July 27 when she collided with Indiana center Tammy Sutton-Brown.

Lennox will continue to wear thick bandaging.

Burse resting

Storm center Janell Burse underwent a two-hour surgery Monday to repair three torn ligaments in her left wrist. She was too groggy from medication to attend the game.

Sticking around

The Storm signed post Astou Ndiaye-Diatta for the remainder of the season.

Ndiaye-Diatta, a seven-year veteran, was signed to add depth inside with Burse out. She is averaging 2.7 points in three games.

Tuesday's box

MINNESOTA
min		fgm-a	ftm-a	or-t	a	pf	pts
Abrosimva	30:17	6-14	0-0	1-6	0	2	13
Stansbury	17:06	2-4	0-0	0-0	0	5	4
Ohlde	34:37	6-14	6-7	6-8	4	5	18
Augustus	33:21	11-20	5-5	0-3	1	3	28
Quinn	31:50	0-5	0-0	0-3	7	4	0
Mann	27:34	1-11	0-0	2-6	1	4	2
Murphy	13:20	0-3	0-0	2-3	1	1	0
Duffy	8:10	0-1	0-0	0-0	0	0	0
Raymond	0:06	0-0	0-0	0-0	0	0	0
Moore	3:39	1-1	0-0	1-1	0	2	2
Totals		27-73	11-12	12-30	14	26	67

Percentages: FG .370, FT .917. Three-point goals: 2-13, .154 (Augustus 1-2, Abrosimova 1-3, Murphy 0-1, Duffy 0-1, Quinn 0-2, Mann 0-4). Team rebounds: 7. Team Turnovers: 18 (15 PTS). Blocked shots: None. Turnovers: 18 (Quinn 5, Ohlde 3, Murphy 3, Abrosimova 2, Augustus 2, Duffy 2, Stansbury). Steals: 5 (Augustus 2, Mann 2, Quinn). Technical fouls: Stansbury, 3.7 fourth.

SEATTLE
min		fgm-a	ftm-a	or-t	a	pf	pts
Jackson	35:02	5-14	7-8	3-9	1	3	18
Cstro Mrques	35:28	4-8	7-8	0-3	0	2	17
Robinson	25:18	3-7	1-2	1-6	0	4	7
Lennox	31:25	5-7	5-5	2-6	2	3	15
Bird	30:38	3-7	0-0	0-1	7	1	6
Wright	14:00	0-4	5-6	2-4	2	1	5
Palmr-Daniel	19:40	5-8	2-3	2-5	0	1	13
Gearlds	8:29	0-1	0-0	0-1	0	1	0
Totals		25-56	27-32	10-35	12	16	81

Percentages: FG .446, FT .844. Three-point goals: 4-16, .250 (Castro Marques 2-4, Palmer-Daniel 1-3, Jackson 1-5, Lennox 0-1, Wright 0-1, Bird 0-2). Team rebounds: 11. Team Turnovers: 20 (26 PTS). Blocked shots: 5 (Jackson 3, Robinson 2). Turnovers: 20 (Lennox 6, Bird 4, Jackson 4, Castro Marques 3, Wright, Robinson, Palmer-Daniel). Steals: 7 (Castro Marques 2, Jackson 2, Wright 2, Bird). Technical fouls: Palmer-Daniel, 3.7 fourth.

Minnesota	18	19	10	20 -- 67
Seattle	22	18	10	31 -- 81

Attendance: 8,144 (9,686). Time: 1:56. Officials: Sue Blauch, Scott Twardoski, Eric Brewton.