SB Nation Seattle

The Phoenix Mercury turned in one of their best defensive performances of the season to beat the Seattle Storm in Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals and force a decisive Game Three tonight at KeyArena.

Whether the defending champion Seattle Storm will have an opportunity to make a return trip to the WNBA Finals could end up coming down to their ability get past the Rebekkah Brunson and the top-seeded Minnesota Lynx.

The Seattle Storm host the Phoenix Mercury at KeyArena (7 p.m. PST, KONG) with an opportunity to clinch the second seed in the 2011 WNBA playoffs.

With their next win, the Seattle Storm will clinch a spot in the 2011 WNBA Playoffs, with a likely first round matchup with a Phoenix Mercury that they've dominated for two years. But they'll still have plenty to play for in the regular season.

Although Seattle Storm center Lauren Jackson might return from injury in time for the 2011 WNBA Playoffs, the return of L.A. Sparks forward Candace Parker could play a more significant role in the Western Conference playoff race.