Storm Dampens Return of Holdsclaw

Lauren Jackson scored 25 points and Sue Bird added 21 for the Seattle Storm, which overcame a career-high 32 points by Chamique Holdsclaw to beat the Eastern Conference-leading Washington Mystics, 80-71, on Saturday before 18,311 at Washington.

The Storm beat the Mystics for the first time in four meetings.

Holdsclaw, who had 11 rebounds, rejoined Washington after sitting out nine games because of a left ankle sprain she suffered June 28. Washington, which has lost three consecutive and four of five, was 5-4 in her absence.

Seattle trailed, 66-59, when Bird made a three-pointer with 4:45 left in the game, starting a 12-0 run.

Jackson tied the score with 4:04 remaining, converting an offensive rebound, and Bird gave the Storm the lead for good on a three-pointer with 3:18 to play.

Portland 71, Miami 61--Tamicha Jackson scored 14 points and Sylvia Crawley added 11 for the Fire, which ended a two-game losing streak before 9,786 at Portland.

DeMya Walker scored nine points and Alisa Burras added eight for the Fire, which played a home game between a pair of three-game trips.

Sheri Sam led the Sol with 15 points, Betty Lennox added 12 and Sandy Brondello had 11. Miami dropped to 0-2 on its five-game trip.

Sacramento 79, Phoenix 64--Yolanda Griffith matched her season high with 22 points and Ruthie Bolton added 20 for the Monarchs, who forced the hosts into a season-high 23 turnovers in front of 9,344.

Sacramento won its third consecutive game and is 5-2 since Griffith and point guard Ticha Penicheiro returned from the injured list July 11. Griffith also had six rebounds. Kayte Christensen led the Mercury with 10 points.

Detroit 74, Charlotte 66--Swin Cash had 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Shock, which ended a 17-game road losing streak with the victory in front of 7,425 at Charlotte.

Elaine Powell added 18 points and Deanna Nolan 15 for Detroit.