"Storm photo," by Seattlest Flickr contributor ntisocl

After the loss of Lauren Jackson to ankle surgery a few weeks ago, the Storm powered their way into the playoffs with strong defense, good rebounding and an uptick in backcourt scoring. Last night, in their 71-64 season-ending loss to the L.A. Sparks, the Storm failed on all three.

From the opening tip, the Sparks were the tougher team, until, with their backs to the wall and trailing 59-45 going into the final quarter, the Storm surged and brought the game back to within three points. However, a couple of turnovers in the final minutes sealed the game for the Sparks, and the Storm bow out in the first round of the WNBA playoffs for the fourth straight season.

Tanisha Wright led the Storm with 20 points, and rookie Candace Parker also had 20 for the Sparks.The stifling Sparks defense held the Storm backcourt to 19 points (Bird 16, Swoopes 3). The Storm were out-rebounded 31-28.