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Thursday, May 31 10:00pm ET
Jackson's 21 points propel Storm | |||||
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BOX SCORE
SEATTLE (AP) -- The WNBA's top draft pick couldn't shake her nerves until the second half. When Australian Lauren Jackson did settle down, she scored nine points in the first five minutes of the second half and led the Seattle Storm to an 83-70 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in their season opener Thursday night. "I was really nervous starting (out)," Jackson said. "I fell into it pretty soon. ... This is like the perfect start to the season." The 6-foot-5 Jackson finished with 21 points and six rebounds as the Storm set franchise records for most points in half and a game. Seattle also has a winning record for the first time. "Mark that down," coach Lin Dunn said with a grin. The Storm, a WNBA-worst 6-26 last season, spoiled Cynthia Cooper's second try for a first victory as Phoenix coach. Cooper, a two-time MVP, retired from the four-time WNBA champion Houston Comets at the end of last season. "I'm really trying to figure out what I can do to get this team to express themselves the way I know they can play," Cooper said. "For some reason, we've lost that urgency, and as head coach it's my total responsibility to get the team back to where we were on defense and offense." Dunn has repeatedly said she needs Jackson to score and rebound for Seattle to succeed. The 20-year-old rookie was impressive in her pro debut, making 6-of-11 field goals and 8-of-11 free throws. "She showed she is gifted to play inside, step outside and handle the basketball," Dunn said. "She played 28 minutes, had 21 points and one turnover, and had people all over her." Seattle (1-0) outscored Phoenix 20-11 over the final 6:08 of the first half, and opened the second half with an 18-5 run. Phoenix countered with an 18-0 run but couldn't get closer than 11 points. Lisa Harrison and Tonya Edwards each had 14 points for Phoenix (0-2). Another Seattle rookie, guard Semeka Randall, added 13 points, four rebounds and two assists. She also took a first-half charge that energized her team. She got up pumping her fist into the air. "Any emotion and anything to get wins for this team and to protect our home court," Randall said. "I think everybody has to bring that to the table." The Storm, which held a 16-point halftime lead, set a franchise record by scoring 46 points in the first half. Seattle's previous best was 41 points against Detroit on June 28, 2000. Twice last season, Seattle scored fewer than 46 points in a game. | ALSO SEE WNBA Scoreboard Mercury mum on Reed's sudden suspension
RECAPS Washington -1 Cleveland -1
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