Originally published July 28, 2011 at 8:00 PM | Page modified July 28, 2011 at 10:01 PM

Storm looking for third straight win Friday at Minnesota

The Storm is approaching the midway point of the WNBA season looking for its third straight victory.

Seattle Times staff reporter

Friday

Storm @ Minnesota Lynx, 5 p.m.

the faith in the bench is a good call especially after the third quarter we had in... (July 29, 2011, by dizzog22) Read more

I would give Agler a D plus for his continued play of Katie Smith. At one time a great... (July 29, 2011, by EdmondsGuy) Read more

Agler's rating of C+ (I'd lower that by a notch or so) is the most telling. If he'd... (July 29, 2011, by psiwriter) Read more

Read all 6 comments > Post a comment >

The Storm is picking up steam approaching the halfway mark of the 34-game WNBA season.

Seattle will try Friday to win its third straight game, which would be a first this season. The Storm is getting good play from its bench. And Seattle plays eight games in August at KeyArena, where the Storm has lost just six games in the past four years.

The road record needs improvement, though, starting when Seattle (9-7) plays at league-best Minnesota (11-4) on Friday.

The Storm is playing without three-time MVP Lauren Jackson in a competitive Western Conference where 2 ½ games separate fourth place from first. Coach Brian Agler is optimistic about the defending champs' playoff future.

"I really think our best basketball is ahead of us," he said. "We've kept our identity that we're a solid defensive team. There are some people that have really had good years, like Ashley (Robinson). But our best days are still ahead of us, and we're going to work hard to make that happen."

So, how has the first half broken down individually?


Sue Bird
Grade	Pos	Ppg	Apg
A	PG	15.5	5.3
Even before Jackson's injury, Bird was averaging a career high in points. Her willingness to score is keeping Seattle afloat until its star center returns.


Tanisha Wright
Grade	Pos	Ppg	Rpg
A	SG	10.1	3.4
Wright's ability to create her own shot and drive to the hoop has been essential in pulling the Storm out of offensive lulls. Still needs to watch the turnovers.


Swin Cash
Grade	Pos	Ppg	Rpg
B	SF	15.3	6.6
Changed defensive coverage has Cash shooting 29.7 percent from three-point range after hitting 40.7 in 2010. She's averaged 4.2 turnovers past five games.


Camille Little
Grade	Pos	Ppg	Rpg
C	PF	9.9	5.5
The loss of Jackson has affected Little's game. But she has played better in the past two wins, coming up with a winning steal in Phoenix.


Ashley Robinson
Grade	Pos	Ppg	Apg
A	C	4.3	4.3
Shooting a career-high 56 percent from field and 62 percent from free-throw line. Needs to watch fouls, but finally playing as expected with her talent and height (6-4).


Le'coe Willingham
Grade	Pos	Ppg	Rpg
B+	PF	6.7	5.1
Consummate team player who filled in well for Jackson until Robinson emerged. Needs three-point shot to return, shooting just 17 percent.


Katie Smith
Grade	Pos	Ppg	Rpg
C-	G	5.9	2.5
Depth is needed this year, and Smith's offense doesn't cut it. She has improved past five games, shooting 41 percent from field, 40 percent on three-pointers.


Belinda Snell
Grade	Pos	Ppg	Rpg
B	G	2.4	0.8
Money from three-point range, shooting 53.8 percent. Needs more trust from coaching staff to show more of her capabilities.


Ewelina Kobryn
Grade	Pos	Ppg	Rpg
B+	C	1.0	0.6
In seven games, she has shown her value, shooting from the outside and altering shots on defense. Simply needs time to get comfortable.


Krystal Thomas
Grade	Pos	Ppg	Rpg
C	C	0.0	0.2
A third-round draft pick in April, she appears lost at times on the court. Averages 2.8 minutes and sticks to defense, not looking for her shot.


Lauren Jackson
Grade	Pos	Ppg	Rpg
I	C	9.2	4.8
In the midst of an awful start before suffering a left hip injury five games into the season. Remains hopeful to return before September.


Brian Agler
Grade
C+	Addition of Kobryn and development of Robinson has saved the season. Agler could trust his bench more, especially Snell's three-point shooting.