Back from Beijing Games, Sue Bird soars in Storm win

Seven games remain, but there's a growing feeling Sue Bird could lead any team to a title no matter the continent.

Less than a week after leading Team USA to its fourth consecutive gold medal, Bird didn't seem to be bothered by jet lag — or the fact that she missed two weeks of Storm practice — as she guided the Storm to a 66-49 victory against Houston at KeyArena.

Bird was 9 of 15 from the field in finishing with 22 points. She didn't have a single assist until the second half, but she was clearly in control of her team's offense.

"We knew that she was going to look to score more," Houston coach Karleen Thompson said. "Once she gets going, it's hard to stop the bleeding. We didn't come with the energy and the effort that we had before the [Olympic] break. This was one of the biggest challenges. After a break like that, you still have to come out and be ready to play."

Storm coach Brian Agler probably could have consumed a truckload of antacids before tipoff, uncertain how his team would play after a 30-day layoff. The team was also missing star Lauren Jackson, who had minor right ankle surgery in Australia on Thursday.

But the Storm stuck to focusing on its defense and let its offense follow as it improved to 4-2 without Jackson, the leading scorer (20.2) and rebounder (7.0).

The defense centered on Olympian Tina Thompson, who finished 2 of 10 from the field for eight points. Thompson, who had averaged 17.2 points, became so irritated in the second half that she shot looks that could freeze water.

"I could tell she was getting frustrated," said reserve Shyra Ely, who worked with starter Camille Little, Yolanda Griffith and Ashley Robinson to make Thompson ineffective. "With a player like that, it has to be a team effort, and she was definitely a focus for us. We did a good job on her and had everyone else beat us."

Problem was, there wasn't anyone to replace Thompson's production. Reserve Sancho Lyttle was impressive, finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds, but she injured her left leg with 6:11 remaining in the fourth quarter with the Comets down 58-40.

"We did some things out there that we didn't even talk about," Agler said of his team's defense. "It was great instinctual play by our players. We really made it tough for Tina Thompson inside. There were times when we had four people in the paint when they were trying to isolate her — they forced it in, and we got some turnovers."

Meanwhile, Bird filled in for Jackson's scoring, making two of her three three-pointers during an 11-0 run in the opening half to give the Storm a 13-point lead. Guard Tanisha Wright, who replaced Swin Cash in the starting five, was the assist leader with five.

"On the Olympic team, you don't have to be so aggressive [offensively], it'll come," said Bird, who averaged 3.0 points with Team USA. "Whoever got it, got it. I obviously didn't get it as much as the others, but that was cool. I played my role.

"I don't think I played any different than I have all season, I've just got to stay aggressive."

Houston, which had its pre-break, five-game win streak snapped, historically is a tough matchup for Seattle. Thompson had classic battles with Jackson and former Comet Sheryl Swoopes, who now stars for Seattle.

But with Jackson in Australia, the entire complexion of the game changed. Little started in place of Jackson, and Griffith was a force with her nine points and nine rebounds.

The Storm (18-9) improved to 14-1 at home, tying the franchise record for most wins at KeyArena, set in 2005. Houston dropped to 14-13.

But Seattle remained behind San Antonio in Western Conference standings because the Silver Stars defeated Phoenix 77-55 on Thursday. Seattle departs this morning for a three-game road trip against Connecticut (Sunday), Atlanta (Tuesday) and Chicago (Thursday).

"We just had a great game plan," Little said. "We've been working hard the whole break and we had high expectations. We're going to continue to play as hard as we did tonight to win."

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