Friday, July 15, 2016

20-1 Sparks set and tie records, while Storm retire Lauren Jackson's jersey

Big night for two West Coast WNBA franchises:

The Sparks beat the Sun in overtime, 98-92, to go 20-1 and tie the 1998 Houston Comets' record for best season start. Los Angeles has won nine in a row, and are 9-0 on the road to start the season - a league best.

Four Sparks and five Sun players were in double figures including the Ogwumikes. Nneka posted 22 points and 10 rebounds for Los Angeles, and Chiney had 16 points and 13 rebounds for Connecticut.

The Storm crushed the Mystics, 80-51, behind Jewell Loyd's 26 points.

Right now, Lauren Jackson's jersey retirement ceremony is underway, and for the second night in a row, I'm choked up. She's got video love from all her former Storm coaches: Lin Dunn, Anne Donovan and Brian Agler. Ticha Penicheiro and Tina Thompson also sent some. Longtime general manager Karen Bryant said some amazing things. Jackson's been watching the game in a Sue Bird jersey.

And I'm sitting here thinking of a lot of memories, as I lived in Seattle when the Storm drafted Jackson.

Can't wait to see the video of this ceremony.

Other games:

The Fever grabbed a big win over the Dream, 78-72.

Seimone Augustus returned to the Lynx lineup, and they routed the Liberty, 88-70. Augustus put up 20 points. The win was gritty for Minnesota.

The Sky stopped the Wings, 84-77, behind Elena Delle Donne's 24 points.

More on Lauren Jackson:

The three-time MVP reflects on her career and her return to Seattle for tonight's jersey retirement.

Sue Bird on Lauren Jackson.

Protests:

The Wings will wear #DallasStrong warm up shirts prior to Sunday's game.

With the support of the league, players are making their voices heard.

Lynx forward Rebekkah Brunson: "the important thing is, we're talking about it."

The differences have been "resolved," and Minneapolis Police are back to work at Lynx games.

Liberty forward Swin Cash says Minneapolis Police must better understand WNBA teams' motives.

WNBA business:

Avison Young has entered a sponsorship initiative with the Chicago Sky.

Olympics news:

The USA is the heavy favorite in Rio.

In seeking her fourth gold medal, it's winning or nothing for Diana Taurasi.

More on Pat Summitt's Celebration of Life Service:

Mel Greenberg observes and reflects.

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