While the Seattle Storm have struggled to find their outside shooting touch for the third consecutive game, the Los Angeles Sparks are showing just how quickly they can pull ahead when their opponents' defensive rotations are even half a second slow.
After finishing the first quarter on an 11-2 run, the Sparks shot 73.3 percent in the second quarter to build a 39-25 halftime lead.
Part of the story lies in the 3-point shooting numbers: the Sparks have outshot the Storm 66.66 percent (4-for-6) to 18.18 percent (2-for-11) in the half. But the other part of the Story is that the Storm have struggled to establish anything inside and are getting beat on the boards in addition to struggling to get their offense going.
Thus far, it hasn't even been a lack of open shots - plenty of those 3-point shots were looks we're used to seeing them knock down - but moreso just being outplayed all around. On the other end, normally reluctant shooter Ticha Penicheiro has hit a three, Candace Parker is attempting whirling passes over her shoulder, and Tina Thompson is 2-for-2 from 3-point range.
Swin Cash leads the Storm with nine points and three rebounds, while Sue Bird has seven points and three assists.