Final score: Storm 97 – Sparks 77 (W) (17-17)

Submitted by Norwester

I enjoyed this game, and have pity in my heart for any Storm fan who wasn't able to attend the game (not to rub it in ). I love Fan Appreciation night, and while I miss the days of the players playing hot potato with the microphone as they address the crowd at the end, of LJ filling in for a hobbled Adia and enthusiastically jumping on the S-T-O-R-M, Simone getting us to rap along with her, and Kamila verbalizing how their happiness is tied to our happiness, it's still special to have the players out on the court and being able to concentrate, however briefly, on the player-fan connection. It's always rather emotional once we reach the final game each regular season, but I think all the extra uncertainty this year made this game even more poignant; thus, it was nice to go out on a high note with a win. It's always a good feeling to beat LA (no matter how shaky they've been this season).

As far as implications for the future, aka the play-offs, it was good that LA put up a bit of a fight. Most of the teams in the League, even the bottom-dwellers, can compete pretty well for a quarter or two, and just fail to close out games. I definitely put LA 2007 in this category. They have been able to develop some good, young talent this year. And the Storm seem to need to be reminded as a team that anyone can compete on any given night, even teams we've beaten previously. Clearly Anne was experimenting with rotations early on, but we played a solid game throughout, and finally blew it open in the end. Betty was clearly struggling offensively, but Izi stepped up strong. Katie had good minutes, Sue was looking for her shot appropriately and dishing assists, and I'm absolutely loving having Ashley down on the block with Lauren, particularly defensively. Even Lauren seems to carry herself a bit differently when Ashley is there to back her up. On one notable possession Sue got stuck behind a screen so LJ rotated out on Sue's woman, but no one rotated in to cover the post; when the ball got past her LJ turned around clearly knowing she could never catch back up with her original post defensive assignment...and Ashley flew through the air to block LA's shot! We've been so used to LJ doing it all on defense (nothing against JB, per se, but she's been clearly hobbled for a season or so) that it's a relief to finally get some athletic back-up that can also chip in a couple offensively. But really, the absolute highlight of the game, probably even more significant in the long run than the win, is the fact that Lauren Jackson was back to her old self out there on the court, and played an excellent game. It's not surprising, but it is amazing given what she's been going through, and it's a relief. The tilted Storm ship is righting itself. It will be interesting to see where it takes us in the play-offs.

Traffic was pretty bad before the game, with the combination of people abandoning their early-week construction adjustments and deciding to drive anyway, a Mariners game, and normal Friday rush-hour traffic. I had to make my way across town and missed early warm-ups. The refs stood out in center court for quite a while once the teams came out, comparing players to rosters I assume: #11 Tina Napier, #50 Shelley Nakasone and #24 Tony something (he usually gets yelled at by me quite a bit). I wasn't optimistic, but it turns out that despite giving us some grist for our mill, they were mostly a non-entity. So to change the subject from refs, what was with that swagger Murriel Page was affecting as she came out on court for shoot-around. Really? You? On LJ's court? Please.

The anthem was performed by Marcus Pettit, who has sung it for years at Key Arena, and it now 16 years old. (!) He still has a very strong voice, and sang it confidently. In my opinion despite putting a bunch of frills and changes in, he sang it solidly enough that he sold them. To me. I got some goose bumps. I'll concede that he was in dire danger of succumbing to Amercian Idolitis, though, and perhaps crossed the line for some.

The crowd was very enthusiastic, as was appropriate. The Aussie/MVP chant was on, and rather than being confused by the speed with which the AV displayed the "Beat LA" slogan, the fans just chanted to the accustomed rhythm, undeterred. Even leaving court after shoot around the players were getting a lot of love from the crowd, which even interfered with the "fan warm-up" a bit.

There were scattered boos for Cooper during introductions, and Fluker got some love as well as Taj (though a bit less than Fluker...bet that doesn't happen often to TMF ). For the bench Wendy and Katie generally get the loudest reception. Something that happened about the time of Sue's intro cracked LJ up, and she was still laughing as they huddled up. Ashley took the mic onto the floor and thanked us all for coming. "We love you!" <cheers>

Early on our shooting was kind of cold, but we were showing some good patience, making the extra pass, and our offense seemed to be flowing all right. Ashley scored first on a short little shot. Izi was very active. It can happen that we lose our offense, but I'm more interested in our defensive intensity at this point, and with that in mind I love the team of Ashley and Lauren on the block on defense. Love. It. The refs were letting a lot of incidental contact go early, but still nabbed Izi, which she answered with a quick shot on the other end. We snuck out to a quick lead, but frankly Sidney Spencer is too tall for our guards to defend...how many inches does she have on Betty? She kept LA in it and quieted a pretty raucous crowd with some deadly three pointers. Happily, at least one of those was answered by LJ, to our delight. And of course we couldn't let the refs escape unscathed, particularly when they do things like give Fernandez the shot and a free throw when Betty clearly just ran into her out on the perimeter. <booing> You're really going to count that shot? This got them to within 16-14, and also really got Anne going after Tony to the encouragement of the fans around her. LJ started to really go to work, and she got bumped around a lot with no calls, but also got to the line plenty. In one sequence she was working hard, going after the ball and getting three attempts, finally scoring on her third. Waiting for the last shot LJ drove the lane for an &1 to put us up 26-16! But the refs had to pee in our Cheerios by calling a ticky tack foul with 2 seconds on the clock (um, how about a travel? ). Please. 1Q: 26-18 Everyone was pretty ticked that Fernandez went to the line to end the period, so there wasn't much applause to close it out.

Then LA came roaring into the second, after we were probably feeling like we had the game pretty much under control, and it really put us back on our heels a bit. Less than two minutes in they'd narrowed the gap to 2 points and the fans were doing their best to clap in encouragement. With 6 minutes to go LA apparently decided that a valid strategy on a rebound is to hit Wendy Palmer in the face until she finally lets go of the ball. Then they acted all innocent when a foul was called, but we had to call a timeout and take Wendy into the locker room. Still, LJ was still laughing out of the time out because of the Stormy Awards clips played. It was a good time for some levity. And despite LA climbing back into it, it didn't feel like we were losing control of anything, and Anne clearly took this time to do some experimenting with line-ups. Betty was having a tough game. Not only wasn't her shot falling, but at one point earlier she and Wendy both came down with a rebound (Wendy won ), and then Astou came in for LJ and on a rebound totally knocked Betty to the floor. LA hit a 3 to take the lead 30-32, and the trainer came out and got the doctor, so we were all sure Wendy had a broken nose or something.

The hits just kept on coming, but Ashley went to the line for &1, missed the free throw and got to try again due to a Page lane violation. She actually made the 2nd! (Though points-wise the LJ rebound and put-back would have been better ). Then T tied it at 35, but we had a couple of bad turnovers, and Page was clearly holding LJ a couple of times to no call, allowing the Sparks to score. We stopped getting rebounds, and our shots stopped falling. HT: 37-41, Sparks Polite applause as the team went into the locker room. I figured I'd be all right having a crappy 2nd quarter if the 3rd was good. We shot 35%! going only 3/12 from 3-point range. LA was also beating us pretty handily on assisted baskets.

Izi came out of the locker room first for warm-ups, as seems customary lately. Wendy followed her! Hurray! I guess it wasn't broken after all. The ball got stuck between the hoop and the backboard, and who but Ashley lightly jumped up to effortlessly tap it free. She can sure get some air. Plus, as we've been begging for all season, they played that AC/DC Thunder Struck song (I think that's what it is, anyway) to start the 2nd half! I was very happy about this. And it sure got us started right with an LJ turnaround immediately, then a Sue &1 on a fast break and an LJ 3! We quickly regained the lead, and with 4 minutes gone Sue stole the ball, went down the court to lay it in, and it got LOUD!

We really picked up our effort on plays that weren't quite working also. Sue's shot got blocked, but we recovered on a bunch of quick touch passes LJ to Sue to Ashley (who was fouled). LJ's free throws also look back on target like they were at the beginning of the season when she was practically automatic. And though her shot wasn't falling (actually, she wasn't shooting much), Betty was still going after rebounds, and in one such play got the ball ahead to Ashley on a fast break with 4 minutes to go in the 3rd to put us up 55-49 and once again it was LOUD in the Key. You really just have to bask in those moments as a fan. Sue badly missed a 3 out of the time out, and this lead indirectly to a foul on Lauren, but she then redeemed herself to put us by 7. way to keep shooting, Sue. There was a bad call on LJ (aren't they all? ) where Sidney Spencer just kind of ran into her, and there were a couple of Storm turnovers that had the crowd getting kind of restless while LA crept back into it. You have to hand it to them: their effort didn't wane even when they were down. Like I said, it was good for the Storm to experience this. No team has just rolled over at any time this season, even down a ton, and we have to quit coasting at points in the game as if we expect them to.

There was a fun high-low play from Ashley to Sue in the post for a bucket. Isn't that Sue's 2nd post move of the season? Both teams entered the penalty. Betty and LJ were really teaming up well in the back court on defense, and managed to strip the ball from Fernandez...which we promptly turned over. Crowd: ohhhh. But LJ got a strong defensive rebound at the other end, and Betty finally scored &1! Her first basket? Tony's worst call of the night was calling a foul on Sue in the final seconds of the quarter as a rather out of control Fernandez drove wildly into a planted Sue, which actually resulted in a very small collision, hardly a bump. 3Q: 67-62 Headed back in the right direction, the team finally earned a standing ovation to end a quarter as Betty and LJ once again teamed up in the back court on a press and prevented LA from getting a final shot off.

"Eye of the Tiger" was playing as we got to our feet (ok, it's the last regular season game this year) to make some noise, and the Key was bursting with enthusiasm. Then we were all confused because the first bucket (when we'd traditionally sit down) was Wendy tipping the ball in off a T miss from an LJ steal, a play we'd normally jump to our feet for. Everyone sort of got stuck half-way with warring reactions, but in the end applauded and cheered loudly for the play, then sat down. Betty had as many fouls as points , and drove in for an airball, which LJ promptly rebounded and put right back up, drawing hard contact from Kristie Thomas. I don't know precisely what KT did, but she also received a technical for her reaction. LJ went to the line to shoot the T, and missed it badly, Clanging it off the rim. She laughed and put her face in her jersey in embarrassment. She hit her free throws, though.

Wendy was called for an awful foul on a rebound with just under 8 minutes to go (well, bad from our perspective) and the "Beat LA" chant started up. Happily, LA missed both free throws! LJ hit a smooth 3 pointer. Izi followed with one of her own, 81-66 and we were finally blowing the game open. Enthusiastic standing ovation into the LA timeout. During the Train a little girl nearly ran into AD's knee! On defense this is where Sue rotated off the perimeter, LJ went over to help, no one rotated onto her player and Ashley flew in for a BLOCK! Tanisha poured in some points. Ashley was getting rebounds. LJ got a block, and LA was forced to take another time out while we were all on our feet clapping and dancing to the music. With 4 minutes to go Taj complained too much for our comfort on a foul call and we were all booing for a technical. LJ checked out to a well-deserved standing ovation and the straight MVP chant (started by the PA guy). We chanted M-V-P until LA scored again.

Timeout. They announced that we'd be meeting Phoenix in the play-offs at 7 PM on Friday to a standing ovation (while Doppler threw t-shirts), and pretty much all the starters were pulled (Izi and Ashley remained). Izi finally came out to Loud, well-deserved cheers of her own and a partial standing ovation (24 points!). The only fly in our ointment was how much trouble we had guarding LA on the perimeter. With 30 seconds to go everyone got on their feet, and with the shot clock winding down Doneeka made a sweet pass to Astou that I was sure there wasn't time for.

Being Fan Appreciation Night there were festivities that most stood around, clapping and waiting for. We waited for 1150 AM to come back on live, and LJ openly mocked Adia for the "headphones" look. Instead of a sort of free form like other years, Alan interviewed specific players, starting with LJ: she agrees we're on a roll for the play-offs, thinks Storm fans are the best in the world, and can't wait to keeping winning for us. MVP chant again, which Adia interrupts to ask if we're "in", then moved on to interview Ashley (big cheers). Ashley is just out there working hard, trying to step up and fill JB's shoes, and is so excited for the play-offs. Betty feels good, ready, is amused by the ka-ching sound effect for B-money ("sounds good") and feels like we can make a deep run. Izi: her 3rd year, 3rd play-offs, she's very excited and knows we can beat Phoenix; we've proven that <Ole music plays and we clap along>. Betty reclaimed the mic to "say that I really appreciate my brother...not only a Betty Lennox fan, but a Storm fan; I love you, Clarence." That was sweet.

Then Sue: she feels really good, we're playing good ball, getting the fans into it; they're really more comfortable playing at home, and when the fans got into it, they get into it in the 2nd half. Possibilities? Anything can happen in the Play-offs! Then Sue said that she and Lauren had presents for several special STHs. First: 12 boxes of signed, game-worn shoes. She started by calling the fans down one-by-one, "Price Is Right" style, but then said that it was taking too long, so she read off the whole list and called "come on down!" I believe that our very own SF7 was in that group! Then they called 12 fans down for $100 gift cards to Nike Town, which included me and jilly! One of the biggest thrills of my young life.

Everyone stuck around a bit, clapping while various t-shirts and other items of player clothing (you know, shoes and head-bands and such) were thrown to the crowd. I'm told LJ got pretty emotional by the end. Few things beat a night of basketball like this.

Run-off

Pre-game StormVision recycled some "Know Your Season Ticket Holder" bits that they showed in the beginning of the season (if I remember correctly) where they asked a few STHs what their favorite sports movies, players, who would play you in a move about your life, etc. questions. Still amusing, but it would have been fun to have some additions as well.

Alan and Adia Pre-game: acknowledged the need for momentum entering the play-offs, discussed how LJ had to be MVP despite this season's adversity...other teammates have been and need to continue to be stepping up, particularly as we enter this new phase of the season. Meanwhile, LA has a couple of fun rookies to keep an eye on in ROY races: Sidney Spencer and Marta Fernandez.

Accessories: nothing different except LJ had the black brace on her right knee versus the white sleeve, and she was wearing yellow shoes. The coaches were amusingly decked out in jackets and slacks with the red and white "I'm In!" t-shirts underneath.

The Muscular Dystrophy Association with the Seattle Fire Department were running their "fill the boot" fund-raising drive, and pre-game presented a ball at center court to "a young many of inspiration": Colby, a little boy who is 7 years old and fighting the disease. He displayed quite the smile as we applauded.

Pet peeve: the last regular season game of the season should always be televised. What's up, FSN?

One of the most amusing signs of the night was in the shape of a thought bubble and displayed by a fan sitting on the floor right next to the bench (ok, it was NewSocks) and read: "More playing time for Katie G." NS would hold it above her head and said she was trying to use it as a Jedi mind trick. At one point Katie was on the bench and looked over and turned brick red. I didn't notice whether any other players saw it and ribbed her about it.

Jr. Captains got balls signed by LJ, Sue and Murriel Page and Taj McWilliams-Franklin. Perhaps being a captain is what caused Page to swagger, trying to instill an attitude in the young players she's guiding.

Pacific Medical Center Injury Report: JB has successful wrist surgery. JB was walking around in a sling; she also received some beautiful orange roses (appreciation, desire, enthusiasm, fascination) that she handed off to be taken back to the locker room.

Meridian Vineyards was a big sponsor of activities and such during the game. The first such event was during the 1st quarter where each of two contestants got to shoot one free throw for $100 (each). Katie made hers. Adam missed his.

Throughout the night on the AV they played various pre-recorded "thank yous" from the players.

Another new touch was after several Dance Troupe performances (starting with the one between the 1st and 2nd quarters) the Troupe members would run into the stands to give away framed and autographed pictures of "your favorite Storm players."

Also, it's time for the annual "Stormy Awards", which is where you go online and vote for the player you think gave the best "Storm Movie Magic" performance this season. The finalists: Sue (Dirty Dancing), LJ (Jaws), Izi & Wendy (Airplane), Tanisha (Jerry Maguire), and Ashley (Indiana Jones). Tanisha's performance especially had the bench practically rolling on the floor.

The StormWatch "Inside the Eye of the Storm" sweepstakes was awarded: a signed jersey

Half-time featured a Meridian-Vineyard-sponsored one chance to shoot for $50,000 from half court. They interviewed the contestant briefly, and she said that she had practiced, and that her granddaughter would shag balls for her, and was in the stands for luck. But then she under-handed ("granny" shot) the ball, and while it did seem to be on target, it was well short. She still got $1,000 for participating, though.

Microsoft Play of the Half: Izi coast to coast &1 for a lay-in.

Go Green Tip of the Game (on the AV): LJ on low-flow shower heads, which can save up to 400 lb of CO2 per year, and perhaps help you save on your water bill.

Patricia Barker, one of our Women of Inspiration who wasn't able to attend the original ceremony (the gifted ballerina), was in the audience and got a warm reception.

Brandie Hoskins, our draft pick, was also in attendance and stood and waved during her intro. See you next year in camp.

Between the 3rd and 4th quarters Doppler stood in the aisle at section 125 with two contestants who would view a still from a movie on the AV revealed a piece at a time. The first to think they knew what it was shot off their confetti canon. The movie: "Sideways"; appropriate for Meridian Vineyards night.

All State Good Hands Play: Sue steal and score.

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