Leslie selected MVP; Storm’s Jackson second

UNCASVILLE, Conn. — Lisa Leslie was selected the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player for the second time in her career.

The Los Angeles Sparks center, the league’s MVP in 2001, received 425 points and 33 of a possible 48 first-place votes from a national media panel Friday. Seattle’s Lauren Jackson, last season’s MVP, was second with 351 points.

Leslie led the league in rebounds (9.9) and blocked shots (2.88).

Joining Leslie and Jackson on the All-WNBA first team were Tina Thompson of Houston, Sue Bird of Seattle and rookie Diana Taurasi of Phoenix. The second team was Tamika Catchings of Indiana, Swin Cash of Detroit, Yolanda Griffith of Sacramento, Nikkie Teasley of Los Angeles and Nykesha Sales of Connecticut.