Jackson out; Storm lose

Rebekkah Brunson scored a season-high 15 points off the bench, and the Sacramento Monarchs easily beat the host Seattle Storm 74-61 on Tuesday afternoon for their fifth straight win.

Seattle played without All-Star Lauren Jackson, who was a late scratch with plantar fasciitis in her left foot. Jackson, Seattle’s leading scorer averaging 20.2 points, warmed up before the game but was replaced by Tiffani Johnson in the starting lineup. It was the second time this year Jackson has missed a game.

“There’s nothing I can do about it. I’m trying to do the best for my body that I can,” Jackson said. “Right now it’s frustrating.”

The former MVP might not have helped. The Monarchs’ defense held Seattle to 25 percent shooting in the first half and forced 22 turnovers, while Sacramento’s bench outscored Seattle’s 50-18.

Overshadowing the game for Seattle coach Anne Donovan was word that the owners of the Seattle SuperSonics and Storm were selling the franchises to a group from Oklahoma City, led by businessman Clay Bennett. Players weren’t informed until after the game.

“For me, it was a little distracting,” Donovan said.

Fever 71, Mercury 65: Tamika Catchings scored 17 points and reserve Linda Frohlich added a career-high 15 for Indiana in its victory over Phoenix at Indianapolis.

Silver Stars 67, Comets 64: Chantelle Anderson scored 17 points and went 9 for 9 from the free-throw line, leading host San Antonio over Houston.

Sparks 70, Liberty 62: At Los Angeles, Lisa Leslie had 20 points and 11 rebounds to lead the Sparks to a victory over New York. Chamique Holdsclaw added 12 points, and Jessica Moore had a career-high 11 for the Sparks. Shameka Christon scored 18 points for the Liberty.