Fever defeats Storm for their first win

Last year’s most improved player in the WNBA, Ebony Hoffman had 18 points and six rebounds to help lead the Indiana Fever to their first win of the season Tuesday night over the Seattle Storm (2-1). Teammate Katie Douglas led all scorers with 20.

In a physical game marred by injuries, Indiana’s Yolanda Griffith went down in the first half after hurting her left ankle and did not return.

After suffering a blow to the left eye in a head collision with Storm player Janell Burse during the third quarter, Douglas’ return to the game was questionable. The contusion left a sizable discolored bruise around her eye.

She came back in the fourth quarter to score six points. Tamika Catchings added 14 points and seven rebounds for the Fever.

Lauren Jackson led the Storm with 21 points. Teammate Swin Cash scored 14 and Sue Bird added 10 points and five assists.

Indiana is now 1-2 and face Los Angeles on Friday when the Sparks (1-1) travel to Indianapolis. Seattle is in the middle of a road trip and head to Minneapolis to play the undefeated Lynx (2-0) Friday.