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Who: The Seattle Storm are hosting the L.A. Sparks
What: The Sparks are coming off just their second win of the 2010 season, after a last-second win over the defending champs in their last outing, while the Storm have a four-game win streak on the line - including a victory over the Sparks in the recent Sunset Showdown.
Where: Key Arena - Seattle, WA
When: 7:00 p.m. pst
TV/Radio/Internet: KONG 6/16 / 1150 AM KKNW / Live Access
Game recap from Jayda Evans: Storm routs Sparks
Links to previews and keys to the game after the jump, live blog in the comments.
Keys to the game:
Seattle Storm:
As Agler has said throughout the week, the Storm are focused on keeping up their defensive intensity for 40 minutes and not experiencing another letdown like they did in their last meeting with the Sparks.
Los Angeles Sparks:
Sparks coach Jennifer Gillom said before the game that the key to beating the Storm this season is matching their intensity and physicality. In contrast to the Storm, in the last game they played intensely for one quarter but Gillom said she hopes to get a full game -- "or at least three quarters" -- of that to earn a win.
She said the Storm matchup particularly well because they have a strong front line. She also spoke highly of guard Kristi Toliver who has been playing well with guard Ticha Penicheiro less than 100% and learning more about how to balance passing with her scoring instincts.
Gillom was not specific about whether Penicheiro would play tonight, only indicating that she's a hard nosed player who won't readily volunteer how much she is hurting.
Links:
STORM: Insider Preview - Storm vs. Los Angeles
Agler expects more from Storm: "Our defense in the 4th quarter has been subpar" - Swish Appeal
Seattle Storm guard Tanisha Wright says that the team is especially focused on defense this year. However, coach Brian Agler has pointed out repeatedly that their problem in the last two games has been keeping up that intensity for 40 minutes.
Storm seeks third straight win against Sparks
In what will be the third meeting this year between the Seattle Storm (8-1) and the Los Angeles Sparks (2-6), the Storm will be vying to stay undefeated against the perennial powerhouse from Southern California.
WNBA, Destined for Failure? Not So Fast - SB Nation Arizona
Kevin Ray has had a court side seat as a broadcaster for the WNBA since its inception. Seeing the up's and down's and development of the game and the constant addition of new talented players, Kevin is confident about the league's success.