Sparks ready for anything from Storm

Los Angeles' strengths were easy to peg.

But their WNBA playoff opponent's? Not so easy.

With three-point shooter Katie Gearlds (injured left knee) and two-time MVP Lauren Jackson (back stress fractures) still out of the Seattle Storm lineup, the Sparks have to plan for a bevy of variables in Game 2 tonight at KeyArena. Seattle lost Game 1 Wednesday, 70-63, shooting 1 of 9 in the first quarter.

"This team is a little more dangerous without Lauren Jackson because when Lauren's playing, you know where the offense is going," Sparks center Lisa Leslie said. "You know who's getting the ball. You know they're going low and 50-70 percent of the time, you know exactly what their plays are — Lauren Jackson off the pick-and-roll.

"Without her out there, you have no idea who's going to shoot or who's going to drive. That's what makes the team a lot more dangerous."

At Staples Center in Los Angeles, a different Australian, Suzy Batkovic-Brown, popped three-pointers to spread the Sparks' defense and get the Storm going after center Janell Burse went to the bench with foul trouble.

Tonight, you have to expect point guard Sue Bird to snap back to her normal self after shooting 1 of 9 in the loss. But who'll help outside of All-Star Swin Cash or Tanisha Wright?

Seattle will need another strong performance from Batkovic-Brown and better play from Burse to help with the lack of depth inside. The Storm was outscored 24-16 in the paint in Game 1 and limited to five offensive rebounds. The Sparks outscored the Storm 14-3 in second-chance opportunities.

"I was embarrassed that I only got one rebound on the stat sheet," said Cash, whose team was out-rebounded overall by 12. "I don't remember the last time that happened. This is something I need to focus on for the next game."

In addition to a collective effort on the boards, Batkovic-Brown could be the ingredient Seattle desperately seeks — if she can be consistent.

Missing training camp to marry, Batkovic-Brown didn't feel comfortable in the Storm offense until August. The rash of injuries the Storm faced in the final eight regular-season games helped get her more time on the court to build chemistry in a new system.

Yet, there are still times where she'll be spotted in game, getting pointers from Bird.

"She's the kind of player where constant reminders are a good thing because she plays so in the moment at times," Bird said of Batkovic-Brown. "What Suzy brings to the table is someone who can keep defenses honest."

At first, Leslie wasn't prepared to guard Batkovic-Brown on the perimeter, although it's a known spot for Jackson. The Aussie was open for three-pointers, making three of four attempts in the opening half. Batkovic-Brown, who last played in the WNBA in 2005, finished with 16 points, seven rebounds, and two steals to complement Cash's game-high 24 points and three steals.

"It's easier when you play more minutes," said Batkovic-Brown in a Storm locker room that was more upbeat than anticipated after a loss. "We're waiting for Game 2. We always play better at home and we definitely can compete against these guys and beat them."

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