MINNEAPOLIS - With last season's MVP, Lauren Jackson, in early foul trouble, the Seattle Storm reserves chipped in 23 points for the team's first playoff win in franchise history.
Jackson scored 12 of her 14 in the second half to guide the Storm past the Minnesota Lynx 70-58 Saturday in the first game of their best-of-three West semifinal series.
Sheri Sam added 11 points and 10 rebounds for the Storm, whose reserves outscored Minnesota's 23-11. Nicole Ohlde led Minnesota with 17 points, and Tamika Williams added 16 points and eight rebounds. Minnesota shot 44 percent from the field and committed 20 turnovers.
WASHINGTON 67, CONN. 59: Four players scored in double figures for the host Mystics, whose defense stymied the Sun in the opening game of the East semifinal series. Chasity Melvin had 17 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Mystics, who have won six of their past seven. Rookie Alana Beard finished with 13 points, eight rebounds and five assists. Stacey Dales-Schuman and Aiysha Smith added 10 points apiece.
AWARDS: Suzie McConnell Serio was honored as coach of the year after guiding Minnesota to consecutive playoff berths despite the loss of leading scorer Katie Smith to a knee injury with 11 games left. McConnell Serio edged Connecticut coach Mike Thibault by one vote with 15 of 48 votes from sports writers and broadcasters. Teresa Edwards, a 40-year-old Lynx guard, won the league's Kim Perrot sportsmanship award.
KINGS: Guard Doug Christie is expected to miss most of training camp while recovering from plantar fasciitis in his left foot. Christie, a 13-year veteran who started every game last season, had treatment Friday to relieve pain that bothered him much of last season. He will be out for at least four weeks while recovering.
