Storm turning into swat team on defense

The WNBA doesn't play above the rim.

But it's starting to play above your head — as in blocks.

At least, that's the impression when a noted shooter such as Storm reserve Katie Gearlds is swatting balls like that other KG, and guard Tanisha Wright is denying opponents by getting a hand on their shots.

Five WNBA players average nearly two blocks a game. They are reviving memories of 2001, when only prominent centers like Maria Stepanova, Yolanda Griffith, Vicky Bullet and 7-foot-2 Margo Dydek, the all-time leader, were able to time a block.

It's a measurement of how WNBA players are raising their elevation.

"Athleticism has all of a sudden gone through the roof again," said Storm forward Lauren Jackson, a nine-year veteran who is only the third WNBA player with 500 or more career blocks (509). "To be able to play in this league, you have to have a little bit of it. It's always fun when players play like that — get blocks. It's cool to watch."

Jackson and Storm guard Sue Bird were teammates on the Spartak Moscow team in Russia when the 5-9 Bird twice blocked 6-5 Sylvia Fowles in practice. Yet, like the recently confiscated tape of LeBron James getting dunked on by a basketball camper, there's no footage as evidence of Bird's feat.

"It was unbelievable," Jackson said of one swat by Bird. "Syl was going for a layup and Sue came behind her and swatted it, which is pretty funny. Sue still brings it up."

Fowles, a second-year post player, might have some payback in mind today when her Chicago Sky (6-7) meets the Storm (8-4) at 6 p.m. at KeyArena.

The Storm had nine blocks Thursday in a 66-55 win over Sacramento, three short of the franchise-best 12, in 2002. Seattle is second in the league in blocks this season, averaging 4.92.

Although the Storm ranks last in rebounding (30.75), the defensive displays during the team's four-game home win streak are signals that coach Brian Agler's stress on defense continues to resonate.

Gearlds, particularly, stands out. Criticized for lack of defensive effort in 2008, she worked specifically on defense while playing in Greece during the offseason. Storm teammates Jackson and Wright are already solid defenders, but Agler said Gearlds has made the most progress since last season.

"There's no questioned she's improved," Agler said. "She understands she has to do well at that end of the floor in order to play.

"It's nice to see things that you try to emphasize, and mentalities you try to develop with your players come to the forefront in game situations."

Blocks and all.

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