SEATTLE, Aug. 11 (UPI) -- Lauren Jackson matched a career high with 27 points to pick up a struggling rookie Sue Bird Sunday night as the Seattle Storm clinched the fourth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference with a 74-57 victory over the Utah Starzz.
Seattle never trailed and defeated Utah at home for the first time in five games. The Storm drafted Jackson last season before their inaugural season and nabbed Bird with the top pick before this season.
The duo has not disappointed as Jackson made 11 of 23 shots and grabbed seven rebounds. Bird, who came off a 33-point outburst in Friday's crucial victory over Portland, failed to score but handed out eight assists.
Four different players scored for Seattle as it opened up a 10-2 lead just over four minutes into the game. The Storm led by as many as 11 before settling for a 38-29 halftime edge.
Jackson's three-pointer capped a 7-0 run for a 55-39 advantage with 12:17 remaining. Adia Barnes' layup provided a 68-46 cushion with just under five minutes to go, the largest lead for Seattle.
Jennifer Azzi and Marie Ferdinand each scored 10 points to lead Utah, which has already clinched the No. 3 seed in the West.
