All signs pointed to a Seattle Storm victory on Thursday, August 23. With just over four minutes left in the game, the Storm held on to a comfortable 13-point lead. However, the Indiana Fever were not ready to give in. They fought back hard, bringing their team within one point. Briann January drove in to the lane as the clock was winding down, but Lauren Jackson took away her chance at a layup. She made a quick pass to Shavonte Zellous who hit a wide-open three-pointer just as the clock ran down, stunning the anxious Storm fans into silence. Her buzzer-beating shot gave the Fever a 68-66 win over the Storm.
This loss is a disappointing one for Storm fans, who were eagerly anticipating Jackson's return. She missed the first half of the season to compete in the London Olympics with the Australian team. Jackson arrived in Seattle just three days earlier and is still getting adjusted to the new Storm lineup. She played more than 24 minutes, scoring just four points and six rebounds in the game.
The Fever had three players who scored in the double digits. Tamika Catchings had a double-double, contributing 18 points and 11 rebounds. January scored 11 points and Zellous added 10 points for the Fever.
The Storm played hard but were unable to stop the Fever, who ended the game on an impressive 15-0 run. The Storm had four players who scored in the double digits: Camille Little with 15, Sue Bird with 15, Shekinna Stricklen with 13 and Ewelina with 10 points for the Storm. Tina Thompson and Ann Wauters are still recovering from their injuries and did not play in Thursday's game.
Although I was among the stunned fans, I am really glad that Jackson is back for the Storm. It may take a few games before she feels comfortable with her new teammates, but I am confident that she will add a valuable spark of energy for the team as they enter the final stretch toward the playoffs. The Storm will face the New York Liberty in Seattle on Sunday, August 26.
Anne Bucher has been a devoted follower of the WNBA since its inception in 1997. A Texas native, she cheered the Houston Comets on to their four consecutive championship titles. Now she lives in the Northwest and roots for the Seattle Storm.
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