Swin Cash wants Seattle fans in top form at Key Arena on Thursday. (AP Photo/Jerry S. Mendoza)

The Seattle Storm will take on the Phoenix Mercury in their first playoff game of the season at KeyArena on Thursday night, and forward Swin Cash says she expects Seattle to show up.

"If there's a seat open tonight in the Key[Arena] I'm going to be very upset with the City of Seattle."

Cash tells 97.3 KIRO FM's Ross and Burbank Show that Seattle fans are "very important" in giving the team a strong home-court advantage against their opponents.

"I think if you ask anyone throughout the country or the WNBA about the best home court advantage, they're going to tell you it's very difficult to come into Seattle and get a win," says Cash. "That is attributed to all of our wonderful fans."

Listen: Storm's Swin Cash on Ross & Burbank

Cash calls the fans "Storm-crazies" and says they never fail to be present with the action.

"Our fans get after it, and that's what I really love about them," says Cash. "When you come into this place, it is a madhouse. Our fans are up, they're yelling, they're into the game."

The Storm has earned more championship titles than any of Seattle's other professional sports teams, and Cash says she's just grateful to get a shot at another.

"I'm excited, just for the opportunity. So many players play this game. Some don't make the playoffs. Some don't ever get the opportunity to win championships. For me to be able to do it as many times as I have is a blessing."

Heading into the first playoff game, Cash says she's hungry and ready to go.

By JAMIE GRISWOLD, MyNorthwest.com Editor

Follow Jamie Griswold, MyNorthwest.com Editor