August 15, 2002

Seattle Storm lost its sense of urgency.

The much anticipated playoff debut for Seattle Storm turned out to be a disappointing one. LA shot more than 60% in the first half and they out-rebounded Seattle offensively and defensively. Several harsh comments from the Sparks were supposed to fire up the Storm, but they looked flat tonight. The team that is loaded with young players did not seem to have their youth energy; they were fatigue, and the Sparks took advantage of it.

"Gotta Believe" signs filled the Key Arena and more than 9000 fans showed up despite of having to compete with the Mariners game. They were hoping to see their home team pull out the upset against the defending champion, LA Sparks. These two teams certainly do not feel for each other, especially between their two stars, Lauren Jackson and Lisa Leslie. It all started back at the 2000 Olympics Game where Jackson, who represented the Australian Team accidentally pulled Leslie's hair extension, and this topic kept coming off the surface as the two traded words and comments during interviews. In 2001, the Storm selected Jackson as the #1 draft pick, and LA vs. Storm heated rivalry was born. However, Seattle could not convert their rivalry on the floor. They lost to LA in their 3 meetings of the season.

Once again, the Storm was given another chance to have the #1 pick, and this time Sue Bird was up for grab. Other teams immediately offered Linn Dunn, the Storm Head Coach very tempting trade deals, but she made a smart move by not trading her anywhere! Sue and Lauren led the team to 17-15 record and a playoff spot this season. Seattle won 2 of their 3 regular season meetings against LA with controversies in between including a fight between Michelle Marciniak and Natasha Byers.

It was certainly a tough journey for the Storm to earn the #4 spot western conference playoffs. No one expected this team to make a comeback from more than four games behind the Portland Fire who had the winning streak and the playoff within their reach. Proving everyone else were wrong, the Storm did it by winning 7 of their 9 last games including wins against Portland and Utah to seal the deal.

Seattle Storm players were thrilled to be in the playoffs, and they seemed to have the satisfaction just by being there. They did not have the same drive to win their first ever playoff game as their crucial games to get themselves into the playoffs. However, we have to give credits to the Sparks for being able to come out big as the defending champion. They were able to back up their pre-game comments with a win.

Game 2 will be as tough, but Seattle has to keep believing and visit the Staples Center with confidence.

GOOD LUCK IN GAME 2 SEATTLE STORM!!!