After trailing by as many as 10 points in the first quarter, Seattle Storm forward Swin Cash scored 14 second quarter points, including four three-pointers, to give the Storm a 42-36 halftime advantage over the Sparks in Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals at Staples Center.
The Storm have a 1-0 lead in the best-of-three series, and before Game 2 began, Sparks Coach Jennifer Gillom said starting strong was essential.
"We have to have a great start," she said. "If we get out of the blocks great, we're going to have a good night."
The Sparks took heed of her advice and entered the second quarter with a 20-15 advantage. The Storm, however, recuperated and took its first lead of the game after Lauren Jackson made a layup with 6:23 left in the half.
Noelle Quinn leads the Sparks with 10 points. Jackson leads all-scorers with 16 points.
-- Melissa Rohlin