Showing posts with label Cheryl Reeve. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cheryl Reeve. Show all posts
Sunday, October 2, 2011
TSB Sports at the WNBA Finals
As TSB Sports prepares to cover game 1 of the WNBA Finals between the Atlanta Dream and Minnesota Lynx, we visited a few practices to report as much coverage as possible during the week-long buildup. More stories and interviews will be published as the Finals progresses, but you can energize your excitement by watching our assortment of video interviews. Just click the link for the person you want to see below.
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Western Conference Finals: Defending a sweep
BY MIKE PEDEN
By no means are the Minnesota Lynx believing they can waltz any way they can with the Phoenix Mercury for game two of the Western Conference Finals Sunday at Phoenix's US Airways Center.
Minnesota can advance to the WNBA Finals with a win Sunday afternoon, but they are aware of how rapidly Phoenix can tilt the balance via the perimeter or pushing the tempo with perennial scoring champion Diana Taurasi, who is averaging 19.5 points per game this post-season.
"Phoenix at home is a deadly combination. Phoenix is like a cobra. You have to go in to game two thinking you're down 0-1," said Lynx center Taj McWilliams-Franklin, who scored 14 points in Minnesota's 95-67 win Thursday night. "They're going to throw everything: kitchen sink, shoes, Corey Gaines (Phoenix head coach). We have to be prepared for whatever they bring us."
While the Mercury were the only team to beat the Lynx twice this season, two Lynx victories in the regular season series came on the road, including a 96-90 win to close out the year.
"They're going to be real upset. If you can't get intense, excited and motivated for this, they've got bigger problems," said Lynx reserve Candice Wiggins, who scored 14 points off the bench in game one.
Scouting the Lynx in the Western Conference Finals is astronomically different than the tentative, jittery exhibition that nearly led to a first-round sweep at the hands of San Antonio. Minnesota rekindled its fluid offensive production after taking scoring pressure off point guard Lindsay Whalen, allowing her to focus on setting up her teammates. She has only eight points in the last two games, but the remaining Lynx starters have scored at least 13 points or more in that span, earning two blowout victories.
To illustrate, Phoenix never got closer than six points in the second half of game one. Their three-point and field goal shooting fell flat for a team considered the bastion of both aspects (Phoenix made 20 percent of their three-pointers and 68 percent of their free throws). As usual, the Lynx dominated the Mercury on rebounds, getting 42 against the Mercury's 26. Had the Lynx not suffered ball control issues early, they could have sealed a victory long before the fourth quarter started.
"We forced the ball out a little bit further, making every shot difficult," said Lynx guard Seimone Augustus.
Minnesota remains mindful of Phoenix's offensive style, as any opponent would when facing the WNBA's top-scoring team. However, the concerns proved to be secret blessings for the Lynx in game one. University of Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma, making a guest appearance for ESPN as a color commentator, believed the Mercury's up-tempo game did not create scenarios for the Lynx to make defensive mistakes on their own.
Another factor favoring Minnesota is emotional stability. While Taurasi's outburst after fouling out in game three of the Western Conference semifinal round at Seattle has faded, Phoenix head coach Corey Gaines was charged a technical foul only 3:14 into game one of the Western Conference Finals. Mercury forward Candice Dupree was called for technical fouls in two consecutive games, earning them in the final game of the Seattle series and in game one of the Minnesota series with 9:00 left in the fourth quarter. Adding to the irony was Dupree's ESPN interview stressing the need to keep Mercury emotions from boiling that aired in the Seattle series.
"From a Dupree standpoint, it's important to keep her out of the transition game. She is such a great rim runner," said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve after game one.
Of course, Phoenix's upset win over Seattle on the road will keep Minnesota's team in check while providing Corey Gaines' team confidence that one clunker does not define a playoff series.
"Augustus hit some great shots. We have got to limit her touches when we're in Phoenix," said Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner.
By no means are the Minnesota Lynx believing they can waltz any way they can with the Phoenix Mercury for game two of the Western Conference Finals Sunday at Phoenix's US Airways Center.
Minnesota can advance to the WNBA Finals with a win Sunday afternoon, but they are aware of how rapidly Phoenix can tilt the balance via the perimeter or pushing the tempo with perennial scoring champion Diana Taurasi, who is averaging 19.5 points per game this post-season.
"Phoenix at home is a deadly combination. Phoenix is like a cobra. You have to go in to game two thinking you're down 0-1," said Lynx center Taj McWilliams-Franklin, who scored 14 points in Minnesota's 95-67 win Thursday night. "They're going to throw everything: kitchen sink, shoes, Corey Gaines (Phoenix head coach). We have to be prepared for whatever they bring us."
While the Mercury were the only team to beat the Lynx twice this season, two Lynx victories in the regular season series came on the road, including a 96-90 win to close out the year.
"They're going to be real upset. If you can't get intense, excited and motivated for this, they've got bigger problems," said Lynx reserve Candice Wiggins, who scored 14 points off the bench in game one.
Scouting the Lynx in the Western Conference Finals is astronomically different than the tentative, jittery exhibition that nearly led to a first-round sweep at the hands of San Antonio. Minnesota rekindled its fluid offensive production after taking scoring pressure off point guard Lindsay Whalen, allowing her to focus on setting up her teammates. She has only eight points in the last two games, but the remaining Lynx starters have scored at least 13 points or more in that span, earning two blowout victories.
To illustrate, Phoenix never got closer than six points in the second half of game one. Their three-point and field goal shooting fell flat for a team considered the bastion of both aspects (Phoenix made 20 percent of their three-pointers and 68 percent of their free throws). As usual, the Lynx dominated the Mercury on rebounds, getting 42 against the Mercury's 26. Had the Lynx not suffered ball control issues early, they could have sealed a victory long before the fourth quarter started.
"We forced the ball out a little bit further, making every shot difficult," said Lynx guard Seimone Augustus.
Minnesota remains mindful of Phoenix's offensive style, as any opponent would when facing the WNBA's top-scoring team. However, the concerns proved to be secret blessings for the Lynx in game one. University of Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma, making a guest appearance for ESPN as a color commentator, believed the Mercury's up-tempo game did not create scenarios for the Lynx to make defensive mistakes on their own.
Another factor favoring Minnesota is emotional stability. While Taurasi's outburst after fouling out in game three of the Western Conference semifinal round at Seattle has faded, Phoenix head coach Corey Gaines was charged a technical foul only 3:14 into game one of the Western Conference Finals. Mercury forward Candice Dupree was called for technical fouls in two consecutive games, earning them in the final game of the Seattle series and in game one of the Minnesota series with 9:00 left in the fourth quarter. Adding to the irony was Dupree's ESPN interview stressing the need to keep Mercury emotions from boiling that aired in the Seattle series.
"From a Dupree standpoint, it's important to keep her out of the transition game. She is such a great rim runner," said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve after game one.
Of course, Phoenix's upset win over Seattle on the road will keep Minnesota's team in check while providing Corey Gaines' team confidence that one clunker does not define a playoff series.
"Augustus hit some great shots. We have got to limit her touches when we're in Phoenix," said Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Lynx clinch best record, Liberty secures playoff berth
BY MIKE PEDEN
The atmosphere at Target Center Friday night had an unusual vibe for the Minnesota Lynx contest against the New York Liberty.
Minnesota could not find their shooting form, making 33.8 percent of their field goals in a 78-62 loss. New York's Leilani Mitchell scored a season-high 24 points, banking six three-pointers. Seimone Augustus led Minnesota with 17 points.
"(Minnesota) was worried about Cappie (Pondexter) and Nicole (Powell) and left Leilani open. She's a good shooter," said Liberty head coach John Whisenant.
"We made their defense shift and work. They were so focused on helping the inside, they left our guards to shoot their shots," said Liberty forward Plenette Pierson, who scored 13 points.
From the start, New York (18-13) played with a sense of urgency knowing a win would secure a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. For Minnesota, a victory or Indiana loss would lock up the first overall playoff seed.
Minnesota (24-7) fought well despite their shooting woes, going up by three with 3:53 remaining in the third quarter, but New York answered with a 15-4 run and never looked back. During that quarter, the public address announcer informed the 8,929 in attendance of Connecticut's 83-55 win over Indiana, giving Minnesota home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Knowing the Lynx clinched the best record in the league, combined with a 12-point New York lead with 5:32 in the fourth, head coach Cheryl Reeve took out lone starter Augustus and sent Candice Wiggins in her place. The Lynx reserves played the remainder of the game, giving the impression they were willing to concede a victory to avoid a needless injury among the starters and prepare the bench for the post-season. Throughout the year, Minnesota's reserves were considered a weakness for their inconsistency.
"It was a conscious decision to give them some opportunities to play in a hard game and see what they can do," Reeve said.
Another sporadic talking point among critics this season is Minnesota's perimeter defense. New York made 13 of 26 three-point attempts, finding an open Mitchell or Powell early and often.
"I've been struggling all season, so they keep telling me to keep shooting," Mitchell said
"I thought I brought her backwards. I'm glad to see she's back shooting," Whisenant said.
Reeve described how difficult it was to tell her players their regular season games no longer matter. Minnesota has never faced this scenario in franchise history, and the team was no less dejected about having their six-game winning streak snapped. Clearly, the Lynx would like to win the last three games for confidence, but their aim may be tempered by the long-term outlook as they have already accomplished their regular season goal.
"All the other long-term goals depend on how we play together, so we have to bounce back and put our focus on Sunday," said Lynx forward Maya Moore, who scored 16 points.
While the Liberty can now breathe after punching a post-season ticket, where they will be seeded is far from certain. New York is 1.5 games behind Eastern Conference leader Indiana, one game behind Connecticut for the second seed and one game ahead of Atlanta for the third seed.
"Everybody wants to win, so all the games are going to be intense," Mitchell said.
The Lynx and Liberty meet again Sunday afternoon at Prudential Center.
The atmosphere at Target Center Friday night had an unusual vibe for the Minnesota Lynx contest against the New York Liberty.
Minnesota could not find their shooting form, making 33.8 percent of their field goals in a 78-62 loss. New York's Leilani Mitchell scored a season-high 24 points, banking six three-pointers. Seimone Augustus led Minnesota with 17 points.
"(Minnesota) was worried about Cappie (Pondexter) and Nicole (Powell) and left Leilani open. She's a good shooter," said Liberty head coach John Whisenant.
"We made their defense shift and work. They were so focused on helping the inside, they left our guards to shoot their shots," said Liberty forward Plenette Pierson, who scored 13 points.
From the start, New York (18-13) played with a sense of urgency knowing a win would secure a playoff berth in the Eastern Conference. For Minnesota, a victory or Indiana loss would lock up the first overall playoff seed.
Minnesota (24-7) fought well despite their shooting woes, going up by three with 3:53 remaining in the third quarter, but New York answered with a 15-4 run and never looked back. During that quarter, the public address announcer informed the 8,929 in attendance of Connecticut's 83-55 win over Indiana, giving Minnesota home-court advantage throughout the playoffs.
Knowing the Lynx clinched the best record in the league, combined with a 12-point New York lead with 5:32 in the fourth, head coach Cheryl Reeve took out lone starter Augustus and sent Candice Wiggins in her place. The Lynx reserves played the remainder of the game, giving the impression they were willing to concede a victory to avoid a needless injury among the starters and prepare the bench for the post-season. Throughout the year, Minnesota's reserves were considered a weakness for their inconsistency.
"It was a conscious decision to give them some opportunities to play in a hard game and see what they can do," Reeve said.
Another sporadic talking point among critics this season is Minnesota's perimeter defense. New York made 13 of 26 three-point attempts, finding an open Mitchell or Powell early and often.
"I've been struggling all season, so they keep telling me to keep shooting," Mitchell said
"I thought I brought her backwards. I'm glad to see she's back shooting," Whisenant said.
Reeve described how difficult it was to tell her players their regular season games no longer matter. Minnesota has never faced this scenario in franchise history, and the team was no less dejected about having their six-game winning streak snapped. Clearly, the Lynx would like to win the last three games for confidence, but their aim may be tempered by the long-term outlook as they have already accomplished their regular season goal.
"All the other long-term goals depend on how we play together, so we have to bounce back and put our focus on Sunday," said Lynx forward Maya Moore, who scored 16 points.
While the Liberty can now breathe after punching a post-season ticket, where they will be seeded is far from certain. New York is 1.5 games behind Eastern Conference leader Indiana, one game behind Connecticut for the second seed and one game ahead of Atlanta for the third seed.
"Everybody wants to win, so all the games are going to be intense," Mitchell said.
The Lynx and Liberty meet again Sunday afternoon at Prudential Center.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Lynx bench tells Mystics to "sit down"
BY MIKE PEDEN
The Minnesota Lynx are now one game away from clinching home-court advantage throughout the playoffs after beating the Washington Mystics 73-56 Tuesday night at Target Center.
Getting some help with Atlanta beating Indiana, one more Minnesota win or Indiana loss would officially give Minnesota the first overall playoff seed.
"We've done a good job of enjoying the small victories and turning back around and getting re-focused," said Lynx forward Maya Moore.
All 11 Minnesota (24-6) players scored, as bench production was pivotal for creating another runaway victory, scoring 29 points against Washington's (5-24) 14.
"They want to do well. When they know they do well, they play more," said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve.
Although Lindsay Whalen exploded in the first half, making her first nine shots, Lynx turnovers and Mystics rebounding kept the game close midway through the third quarter. In that stretch, Minnesota's bench was blanked with the limited minutes they received.
With 5:44 left in the third and Minnesota leading 40-39, Monica Wright nailed a 22-foot three-pointer to spark a 13-0 run and the contest was never in doubt.
"We never want to be blanked. There's something inside yourself that you have to bring out when you're not doing so well," said Lynx reserve center Jessica Adair, who scored double-figures for the first time in her career with 10.
Adair, playing more minutes as she grows more comfortable with her leaner, quicker body, is less concerned about getting in foul trouble and more focused on contributing offensively.
"It's making all my free throws, making contested lay-ups," she said.
Whalen scored a game-high 21 points, finishing 10-of-12 from the floor.
"I was trying to be aggressive, get off the pick and roll, get in the lane," she said.
Mystics forward Crystal Langhorne scored 13 points with guard Matee Ajavon struggling to reach 10, making just four of 15 field goals.
Washington, eliminated from playoff contention some time ago, laid out a warning to any playoff opponent the Lynx get.
"Very hard-nosed, blue-collar workers. I think they'll get the job done," Ajavon said about Minnesota's playoff push.
Perhaps they understand the most out of any team. The Mystics traded their 2012 first-round pick for the Lynx's Nicky Anosike prior to this year's draft, meaning the Lynx will once again get to take part in the draft lottery to bolster a team already feared by opponents.
The Minnesota Lynx are now one game away from clinching home-court advantage throughout the playoffs after beating the Washington Mystics 73-56 Tuesday night at Target Center.
Getting some help with Atlanta beating Indiana, one more Minnesota win or Indiana loss would officially give Minnesota the first overall playoff seed.
"We've done a good job of enjoying the small victories and turning back around and getting re-focused," said Lynx forward Maya Moore.
All 11 Minnesota (24-6) players scored, as bench production was pivotal for creating another runaway victory, scoring 29 points against Washington's (5-24) 14.
"They want to do well. When they know they do well, they play more," said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve.
Although Lindsay Whalen exploded in the first half, making her first nine shots, Lynx turnovers and Mystics rebounding kept the game close midway through the third quarter. In that stretch, Minnesota's bench was blanked with the limited minutes they received.
With 5:44 left in the third and Minnesota leading 40-39, Monica Wright nailed a 22-foot three-pointer to spark a 13-0 run and the contest was never in doubt.
"We never want to be blanked. There's something inside yourself that you have to bring out when you're not doing so well," said Lynx reserve center Jessica Adair, who scored double-figures for the first time in her career with 10.
Adair, playing more minutes as she grows more comfortable with her leaner, quicker body, is less concerned about getting in foul trouble and more focused on contributing offensively.
"It's making all my free throws, making contested lay-ups," she said.
Whalen scored a game-high 21 points, finishing 10-of-12 from the floor.
"I was trying to be aggressive, get off the pick and roll, get in the lane," she said.
Mystics forward Crystal Langhorne scored 13 points with guard Matee Ajavon struggling to reach 10, making just four of 15 field goals.
Washington, eliminated from playoff contention some time ago, laid out a warning to any playoff opponent the Lynx get.
"Very hard-nosed, blue-collar workers. I think they'll get the job done," Ajavon said about Minnesota's playoff push.
Perhaps they understand the most out of any team. The Mystics traded their 2012 first-round pick for the Lynx's Nicky Anosike prior to this year's draft, meaning the Lynx will once again get to take part in the draft lottery to bolster a team already feared by opponents.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
Lynx season now "a kind of magic"
BY MIKE PEDEN
The Minnesota Lynx added a few more firsts in their 2011 campaign against the Los Angeles Sparks Saturday night at Target Center.
Minnesota's 87-68 win gave them the privilege of being the first WNBA team to reach 20 wins this season and, more importantly, the first team to clinch a playoff spot.
"It couldn't get no worse than where we were at," said Lynx guard Seimone Augustus, referring to the franchise's struggles in her first five seasons. "A weight lifted off our shoulders."
Not that the Lynx felt weighed down leading up to a playoff berth. Clinching a spot has simply been a step all season in the team's ultimate goal of leaving their past behind and winning a WNBA title.
"We have that fire inside of us and we still got some work to do," Augustus said.
The Sparks (10-15) were the more energetic team in the first quarter, taking a 20-14 lead with Candace Parker racking up 10 points in the period.
The Lynx (20-6) communicated to their fans that they had control in the second, starting the quarter with three treys, ultimately taking the lead for good at 23-22 following a Maya Moore 21-foot three-pointer. Minnesota outscored Los Angeles 32-14 in the second and never let up on their way to their fourth straight win over Los Angeles after losing eight in a row.
"Yesterday, I came in the gym and shot 500 mid-range and 500 three-pointers," said Lynx guard Candice Wiggins. "You come in the game and just concentrate and that's going to help."
Augustus led Minnesota with 17 points, with Wiggins chipping in 13. Parker scored a game-high 18 points, although a more stingy Lynx defense would frustrate Parker after the first.
For good measure, the Lynx out-rebounded the Sparks 43-24 for the game.
While the magic number to reach the playoffs is now zero, the Lynx are seeking the magic number they wanted from the start of the season: home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Minnesota is two games ahead of Indiana for the league's best record with eight games remaining for both teams. A combination of seven Lynx wins or Fever losses would cement home-court through the Finals.
"That's when you'll see the locker room excited. To go from second-worst to first, that's when we will celebrate for a short moment," said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve. "Then you're measured by what you do in the playoffs."
Perhaps the biggest "magic number" of all is Minnesota's win total. In all but one of the WNBA's first 14 seasons, every championship team recorded at least 20 victories in the regular season. The Houston Comets were the only exception finishing 18-10 in 1997 before winning the first of four straight titles.
Maya Moore, who scored seven points in only 16:22 of playing time, may have acknowledged her battle to find consistency with her belief that Minnesota can go far beyond 20 wins.
"That's the scary part. We're continuing to sharpen up on help-side defense, continuing to communicate, making sure we're forcing players to do things they don't want to do," she said.
ALSO
Watch below for special guest interviewer Lisl Von Steinbergs chat with Rebekkah Brunson on the development of Minnesota's young post player tandem of Jessica Adair and Amber Harris.
The Minnesota Lynx added a few more firsts in their 2011 campaign against the Los Angeles Sparks Saturday night at Target Center.
Minnesota's 87-68 win gave them the privilege of being the first WNBA team to reach 20 wins this season and, more importantly, the first team to clinch a playoff spot.
"It couldn't get no worse than where we were at," said Lynx guard Seimone Augustus, referring to the franchise's struggles in her first five seasons. "A weight lifted off our shoulders."
Not that the Lynx felt weighed down leading up to a playoff berth. Clinching a spot has simply been a step all season in the team's ultimate goal of leaving their past behind and winning a WNBA title.
"We have that fire inside of us and we still got some work to do," Augustus said.
The Sparks (10-15) were the more energetic team in the first quarter, taking a 20-14 lead with Candace Parker racking up 10 points in the period.
The Lynx (20-6) communicated to their fans that they had control in the second, starting the quarter with three treys, ultimately taking the lead for good at 23-22 following a Maya Moore 21-foot three-pointer. Minnesota outscored Los Angeles 32-14 in the second and never let up on their way to their fourth straight win over Los Angeles after losing eight in a row.
"Yesterday, I came in the gym and shot 500 mid-range and 500 three-pointers," said Lynx guard Candice Wiggins. "You come in the game and just concentrate and that's going to help."
Augustus led Minnesota with 17 points, with Wiggins chipping in 13. Parker scored a game-high 18 points, although a more stingy Lynx defense would frustrate Parker after the first.
For good measure, the Lynx out-rebounded the Sparks 43-24 for the game.
While the magic number to reach the playoffs is now zero, the Lynx are seeking the magic number they wanted from the start of the season: home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Minnesota is two games ahead of Indiana for the league's best record with eight games remaining for both teams. A combination of seven Lynx wins or Fever losses would cement home-court through the Finals.
"That's when you'll see the locker room excited. To go from second-worst to first, that's when we will celebrate for a short moment," said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve. "Then you're measured by what you do in the playoffs."
Perhaps the biggest "magic number" of all is Minnesota's win total. In all but one of the WNBA's first 14 seasons, every championship team recorded at least 20 victories in the regular season. The Houston Comets were the only exception finishing 18-10 in 1997 before winning the first of four straight titles.
Maya Moore, who scored seven points in only 16:22 of playing time, may have acknowledged her battle to find consistency with her belief that Minnesota can go far beyond 20 wins.
"That's the scary part. We're continuing to sharpen up on help-side defense, continuing to communicate, making sure we're forcing players to do things they don't want to do," she said.
ALSO
Watch below for special guest interviewer Lisl Von Steinbergs chat with Rebekkah Brunson on the development of Minnesota's young post player tandem of Jessica Adair and Amber Harris.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Lynx "shock" magic number to 4
BY MIKE PEDEN
The Minnesota Lynx proved Sunday night at Target Center that a lack of satisfaction following a 28-point victory is indeed possible.
Minnesota won by that margin over the Tulsa Shock with a score of 82-54, as they matched their franchise record for most wins in a season and lowered the magic number of clinching a playoff spot to four.
"We weren't great, but we were solid," said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve. "As we move down the stretch, we want to take it up a notch."
Minnesota's (18-5) win also placed Tulsa (1-22) in WNBA history by giving them their 17th straight loss, tying the league record set by Atlanta in its inaugural campaign of 2008.
No player scored more than 16 points and only two broke double-figures for the game, both coming from Minnesota. The Lynx guard tandem of Seimone Augustus and Lindsay Whalen put up 16 and 12 points respectively, with Whalen adding nine assists.
Sheryl Swoopes led Tulsa with nine points, but her team had trouble finding rhythm between their field goal percentage of 34, committing 20 turnovers and struggling mightily in a deliberate offense against a Minnesota team feared for their up-tempo transition game.
Although the Lynx believed they fell short of perfection, their dominant performance tonight temporarily alleviated the concern about stamina among the starters. Whalen played the most with 26:50 on the floor, with all four main reserves getting healthy doses of minutes. Backup center Jessica Adair took advantage of her extended time by posting a career-high nine points, adding two blocks.
"We're not in rest mode. If the bench isn't performing, I'm OK with giving Rebekkah (Brunson) and Taj (McWilliams-Franklin) 32 minutes, if I have to, to get the win," Reeve said. "Our bench deserves more minutes, and when they come in and perform, then it gives me an opportunity to get the minutes down."
Minnesota's win, coupled with a San Antonio loss to Chicago, gives them a five-game lead over San Antonio and Phoenix for first place in the Western Conference. The Lynx hold complete control of their destiny regarding playoff seeding, as there are not enough games left in the series between San Antonio or Phoenix for either team to catch them in head-to-head matches.
The Minnesota Lynx proved Sunday night at Target Center that a lack of satisfaction following a 28-point victory is indeed possible.
Minnesota won by that margin over the Tulsa Shock with a score of 82-54, as they matched their franchise record for most wins in a season and lowered the magic number of clinching a playoff spot to four.
"We weren't great, but we were solid," said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve. "As we move down the stretch, we want to take it up a notch."
Minnesota's (18-5) win also placed Tulsa (1-22) in WNBA history by giving them their 17th straight loss, tying the league record set by Atlanta in its inaugural campaign of 2008.
No player scored more than 16 points and only two broke double-figures for the game, both coming from Minnesota. The Lynx guard tandem of Seimone Augustus and Lindsay Whalen put up 16 and 12 points respectively, with Whalen adding nine assists.
Sheryl Swoopes led Tulsa with nine points, but her team had trouble finding rhythm between their field goal percentage of 34, committing 20 turnovers and struggling mightily in a deliberate offense against a Minnesota team feared for their up-tempo transition game.
Although the Lynx believed they fell short of perfection, their dominant performance tonight temporarily alleviated the concern about stamina among the starters. Whalen played the most with 26:50 on the floor, with all four main reserves getting healthy doses of minutes. Backup center Jessica Adair took advantage of her extended time by posting a career-high nine points, adding two blocks.
"We're not in rest mode. If the bench isn't performing, I'm OK with giving Rebekkah (Brunson) and Taj (McWilliams-Franklin) 32 minutes, if I have to, to get the win," Reeve said. "Our bench deserves more minutes, and when they come in and perform, then it gives me an opportunity to get the minutes down."
Minnesota's win, coupled with a San Antonio loss to Chicago, gives them a five-game lead over San Antonio and Phoenix for first place in the Western Conference. The Lynx hold complete control of their destiny regarding playoff seeding, as there are not enough games left in the series between San Antonio or Phoenix for either team to catch them in head-to-head matches.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Lynx "bench" Sky on the road
BY MIKE PEDEN
Minnesota Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve did not get flustered with her bench after they were blanked in an 85-80 loss to Phoenix on Tuesday.
In another highlight of Minnesota’s chemistry, Reeve discussed what happened with the reserves and credited their focus that led to a 79-76 win over the Chicago Sky at Allstate Arena Friday night.
Minnesota (17-5) outscored Chicago (10-14) 30-11 from the bench, including 12 points and seven rebounds from three-point specialist Candice Wiggins, six points and five rebounds from rookie Amber Harris and six points and four blocks from second-year center Jessica Adair, who bested her previous career high in blocks.
“I give Amber a lot of credit. It was a great size situation where she matched up well, and I thought she made the most of her opportunity,” Reeve said.
“We didn’t start off the game with the defensive effort that we needed,” said Lynx rookie forward Maya Moore. “The bench did a great of making up for that and hit some big shots.”
Lynx guard Lindsay Whalen finished as the team’s high scorer, with 16 points and six assists. Sky center Sylvia Fowles led all players in scoring and rebounds, getting 28 and 13 respectively for her 14th double-double this season.
“I have to credit my teammates. (Courtney) Vandersloot got me a lot in transition. I can definitely see myself getting better,” Fowles said.
The Lynx were sluggish to start, trailing 17-7 midway through the first quarter against a team whose record is somewhat deceiving. Minnesota ended the quarter on a 15-2 run boosted by Monica Wright’s return to form in her second game back after missing five games because of a family emergency. Wiggins and Adair also pitched in offensively.
A Rebekkah Brunson jumper late in the fourth gave the impression that Minnesota locked up the outcome with the score at 78-70, but Chicago took advantage of miscues, including a Maya Moore turnover off an inbounds pass, to reel the margin to 78-76 with 38.9 seconds left. The 6,289 in attendance would have their pulse sent through the sky in those final seconds.
Vandersloot had an open Fowles in transition, but overthrew her 6’6” frame to send the ball out-of-bounds. The Sky played foul-and-chase with the Lynx’s Taj McWilliams-Franklin, who missed two free throws with 9.2 seconds left, giving the Sky another chance.
Shay Murphy missed a point-blank lay-up with 2.9 seconds left, and McWilliams-Franklin went back to the free throw line after getting the rebound. She made only one of two that time with 0.9 seconds to go, but Tamera Young’s half-court heave at the buzzer was too high.
“Shay had a good look. She made something out of nothing. I saw a foul. I asked the ref. He said there wasn’t one,” Young said, who scored 16 points. “That’s how the game goes. We have to adjust from it.”
Ironically, all four of Minnesota’s reserves who got playing time finished with positive plus/minus ratings for the game, contrasting with negative ratings for all five starters. Minnesota doubled up Chicago 16-8 in second chance points, utilizing the 42-32 rebounding edge for the game.
Fowles sees her Sky team gelling under first-year head coach Pokey Chatman and her new system, but with Chicago battling Atlanta for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference with 10 games remaining, Fowles said the Sky need to reflect the urgency.
“We got away from a couple things for those last two minutes, and it nipped us in the butt,” she said. “This game proved a lot that we can do going forward.”
Minnesota continues to move forward as well, with Friday’s win ending six straight losing seasons for the franchise. Should the Lynx beat Tulsa Sunday at Target Center, they will match their franchise record for most wins in a season. However, Minnesota remains content to leave history in the past.
“This team embraced 2011, making that a really special season. Nothing else has mattered to them,” Reeve said.
After Friday’s games, the magic number for the Lynx to clinch their first playoff berth since 2004 dropped to five. The number represents the combination of Lynx victories and losses from the Los Angeles Sparks where the Sparks could not usurp the Lynx in the Western Conference playoff picture.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Lynx put shooting clinic on Storm
BY MIKE PEDEN
When the Minnesota Lynx suffered a 65-55 road loss to the Seattle Storm on June 24, Seattle's radio play-by-play commentator speculated the Minnesota Lynx had drafted over guard Candice Wiggins as a result of subsequent high draft picks.
On Friday night at Target Center, Wiggins showed Seattle and the 7,856 in attendance her role is no less valuable with time, sinking five three-pointers as the Lynx blew out the Storm 92-67.
"I knew about that comment, and I almost laughed at it," Wiggins said. "He doesn't understand what's going on in my mind. I knew it would take me a while to find a rhythm."
Wiggins had no shortage of rhythm with 16 points and five assists off the bench. Her point total matched a team high with guard Seimone Augustus. Augustus sank eight of 10 field goals to reach that figure, finding her groove with the mid-range jumper all game.
The Lynx (12-4) needed seven minutes to find their team rhythm, with the Storm (9-8) holding a 14-11 lead late in the first quarter. A 19-2 Minnesota run initiated by one of Augustus' jumpers ensured that was the last time Seattle would be a threat.
So dominant was Minnesota that head coach Cheryl Reeve found extended minutes for her reserves. Center Jessica Adair took advantage, scoring a career-high eight points in just over 11 minutes, while forward Chardé Houston drained all four of her shots and a free throw to score nine points in almost 10 minutes.
"Jim Peterson (Lynx assistant coach) is always in my ear about poise. I repeat it to myself, it's helping me a lot," Adair said.
"We have so much trust and faith in each other," Houston said. "Coach is always putting pressure on us to make the great plays, help each other on defense. All that really ties in."
Minnesota shot 56 percent from the floor against Seattle's 41 percent for the game, causing Minnesota to outscore Seattle in every quarter but the fourth, when both teams put up 18.
For the Storm, forward Swin Cash scored a game-high 18 points with Le'Coe Willingham adding 14, but the biggest surprise was the Lynx defense hampering the Storm's All-Star guard Sue Bird. Bird was held to four points and one assist, making just one field goal in six tries.
"Lindsay Whalen doesn't get a lot of credit for her defensive prowess. She was really impressive on that end of the floor," Reeve said.
The Lynx win gave them their first series victory over the Storm since 2003, which also means the Lynx own a tiebreaker should the Western Conference playoff picture get murky. Minnesota maintained their one-game lead over San Antonio for first place in the Western Conference and will face them in the first of four meetings Sunday at AT&T Center.
ALSO
Click below for an extended post-game conversation with Candice Wiggins following Minnesota's Faith and Family Night event.
Click below to listen to Swin Cash prior to Friday night's game, as she shares her plans after her playing career is over.
When the Minnesota Lynx suffered a 65-55 road loss to the Seattle Storm on June 24, Seattle's radio play-by-play commentator speculated the Minnesota Lynx had drafted over guard Candice Wiggins as a result of subsequent high draft picks.
On Friday night at Target Center, Wiggins showed Seattle and the 7,856 in attendance her role is no less valuable with time, sinking five three-pointers as the Lynx blew out the Storm 92-67.
"I knew about that comment, and I almost laughed at it," Wiggins said. "He doesn't understand what's going on in my mind. I knew it would take me a while to find a rhythm."
Wiggins had no shortage of rhythm with 16 points and five assists off the bench. Her point total matched a team high with guard Seimone Augustus. Augustus sank eight of 10 field goals to reach that figure, finding her groove with the mid-range jumper all game.
The Lynx (12-4) needed seven minutes to find their team rhythm, with the Storm (9-8) holding a 14-11 lead late in the first quarter. A 19-2 Minnesota run initiated by one of Augustus' jumpers ensured that was the last time Seattle would be a threat.
So dominant was Minnesota that head coach Cheryl Reeve found extended minutes for her reserves. Center Jessica Adair took advantage, scoring a career-high eight points in just over 11 minutes, while forward Chardé Houston drained all four of her shots and a free throw to score nine points in almost 10 minutes.
"Jim Peterson (Lynx assistant coach) is always in my ear about poise. I repeat it to myself, it's helping me a lot," Adair said.
"We have so much trust and faith in each other," Houston said. "Coach is always putting pressure on us to make the great plays, help each other on defense. All that really ties in."
Minnesota shot 56 percent from the floor against Seattle's 41 percent for the game, causing Minnesota to outscore Seattle in every quarter but the fourth, when both teams put up 18.
For the Storm, forward Swin Cash scored a game-high 18 points with Le'Coe Willingham adding 14, but the biggest surprise was the Lynx defense hampering the Storm's All-Star guard Sue Bird. Bird was held to four points and one assist, making just one field goal in six tries.
"Lindsay Whalen doesn't get a lot of credit for her defensive prowess. She was really impressive on that end of the floor," Reeve said.
The Lynx win gave them their first series victory over the Storm since 2003, which also means the Lynx own a tiebreaker should the Western Conference playoff picture get murky. Minnesota maintained their one-game lead over San Antonio for first place in the Western Conference and will face them in the first of four meetings Sunday at AT&T Center.
ALSO
Click below for an extended post-game conversation with Candice Wiggins following Minnesota's Faith and Family Night event.
Click below to listen to Swin Cash prior to Friday night's game, as she shares her plans after her playing career is over.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Minnesota Lynx host 2011 media day
TSB Sports, along with the majority of the Minnesota press corps, flocked to downtown Minneapolis for the Minnesota Lynx media day. We took advantage of our new video recording capabilities to present a more interactive form of storytelling you'll see more of as we cover the 2011 Minnesota Lynx season, the first under the TSB banner. Game day coverage will stay the same with written articles, but our goal is providing more profile stories and other video content.
In the meantime, click the links below to watch Lynx players converse with local media for media day.
Chardé Houston
Taj McWilliams-Franklin
Alexis Hornbuckle
Amber Harris
Rebekkah Brunson
Maya Moore
Head coach Cheryl Reeve
Kachine Alexander and Angel Robinson
Lindsay Whalen
In the meantime, click the links below to watch Lynx players converse with local media for media day.
Chardé Houston
Taj McWilliams-Franklin
Alexis Hornbuckle
Amber Harris
Rebekkah Brunson
Maya Moore
Head coach Cheryl Reeve
Kachine Alexander and Angel Robinson
Lindsay Whalen
Monday, April 11, 2011
Lynx are "Moore" exciting after draft day
BY MIKE PEDEN
The 2011 WNBA season officially commenced Monday afternoon with the much-publicized draft class headlined by Connecticut star Maya Moore.
There was no secret she would go to the team with the first pick, which the Minnesota Lynx won in last November's lottery.
Just a few minutes after 3:00 p.m. local time at ESPN's headquarters in Bristol, Conn. (2:00 p.m. in Minnesota), the Lynx announced Moore would join their roster. Over 1,200 miles west at the Target Center Hubert's Sports Bar and Grill, ESPN cameras captured Lynx season ticket holders celebrating loudly at their draft party.
For Moore's part, she gave her mother a hug upon her selection.
"It's officially started, this new beginning," Moore said. "I will bring energy and passion. I like to get out in transition, so hopefully I'll be able to bring some fun stuff there."
Moore's accolades are well-documented. She posted a 150-4 record in her four years at UConn, including back-to-back national championships in 2009 and 2010. She is the only player to win three Wade Trophies and ended her college career fourth in most career points with 3,036.
Moore also got professional seasoning last year, playing in the USA/WNBA All-Star game and winning a gold medal with the U.S. national team, comprised of current WNBA players, in the FIBA World Championship.
"It gave me confidence that I can be successful at the professional level, but it gave me some hunger to work on the little things to be successful at that level," she said.
Lindsay Whalen called in from Prague after Moore was drafted. Both were teammates on the gold-medal national team and the two played against each other in last year's All-Star Game.
"She brings so much toughness and all kinds of intangibles," she said. "She's a phenomenal jump-shooter. Quick release. Great balance. She's fearless."
Moore's future teammates had no fear displaying their excitement on Twitter. Rebekkah Brunson said, "My Lynx just got tougher. We are putting the pieces together."
Taj McWilliams-Franklin followed the draft from Russia. Although she was signed after the Lynx claimed the first pick in this year's draft, she posted, "So this is what it feels like to win the lottery."
Minnesota's fourth pick was no less ecstatic to join Moore this summer. The Lynx took Xavier's Amber Harris, who was named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year for the 2010-11 college season. Despite redshirting in 2008-09 because of injury, Harris finished her career with over 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.
"Going there and working together is going to help us out," Harris said.
Neither will have to wait long to greet each other, as a press conference is scheduled for both Moore and Harris Tuesday afternoon at the Target Center skyway concourse.
Harris' selection was a small surprise with local fans and media expecting her to be scooped up by the Chicago Sky, but Chicago used their first-round pick on Gonzaga's Courtney Vandersloot.
"Chicago did a great job keeping their draft picks a secret," said Roger Griffith, Lynx executive vice president.
"I had talked to the Chicago coach, so I was assuming they were going to pick me," Harris said.
Not that Minnesota is complaining about the Sky bucking most mock drafts.
"That was the big we wanted. She can shoot threes, she rebounds, she takes off the rim and goes coast-to-coast," said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, entering her second season.
Harris could have a rough time playing her natural position of power forward, following Brunson's outstanding season a year ago with Chardé Houston providing quality bench minutes at that spot.
She hopes to continue playing that position, but following the Lynx's trade of Nicky Anosike to Washington for a 2012 first-round pick, Harris understands the need to back up 40-year-old McWilliams-Franklin at center.
"They need a big down low, but most likely, I'd like to play in the three-four range," Harris said.
Naturally, there will be new tests as expectations rise for the Lynx to end their six-year playoff drought, which includes three tough eliminations in the last three years with three different coaches.
With position needs addressed, the biggest concern will be how this year's draft picks and other signings will affect on-court discipline. The Lynx lost nine games where they led by double-digits in 2010, not accounting for near-collapses, including an overtime win against the Connecticut Sun where Minnesota led by as much as 30. In virtually all of those nine losses, the Lynx would suffer defeat in the fourth quarter.
"I live in the land of high expectations at the University of Connecticut," Moore said. "It will help me grow as a person. It will expand my leadership and experience as a competitor."
On top of that, few could watch college women's basketball coverage on ESPN and not hear of Moore, whose college is close to ESPN's headquarters. To say Minnesota would not receive their attention to start the WNBA season would be a gross understatement.
"I believe we're the envy of the league with regard to the depth we have at each position," Reeve said. "Now my job is to find the combinations of players that play best together."
The Lynx drafted North Carolina's Jessica Breland and DePaul's Felicia Chester in the second round. Both were subsequently traded in prearranged transactions. Breland was traded to the New York Liberty for Angel Robinson and the Liberty's 2012 second-round pick. Chester was sent to the Atlanta Dream for player rights to Australian Rachel Jarry and the Dream's 2012 second-round pick.
Factoring draft day transactions, the Lynx will have six picks in the 2012 draft. Gauging how they will be used is too difficult to say, but with Minnesota's deep roster, Griffith decided to save some resources instead of using them on draft picks that likely would be cut.
"If you have the opportunity to pick up an extra asset, it's worth something to have that possibility," he said.
Capping off Minnesota's drafting was third-round selection Kachine Alexander. She and Robinson are Twin Cities natives who parlayed their high school talents into successful college careers at Iowa and Marquette respectively. Alexander averaged a double-double at Iowa her junior season, only one of two guards in the entire N.C.A.A. that year to do so. Robinson was an All-Big East First Team selection for Marquette last season.
The 2011 WNBA season officially commenced Monday afternoon with the much-publicized draft class headlined by Connecticut star Maya Moore.
There was no secret she would go to the team with the first pick, which the Minnesota Lynx won in last November's lottery.
Just a few minutes after 3:00 p.m. local time at ESPN's headquarters in Bristol, Conn. (2:00 p.m. in Minnesota), the Lynx announced Moore would join their roster. Over 1,200 miles west at the Target Center Hubert's Sports Bar and Grill, ESPN cameras captured Lynx season ticket holders celebrating loudly at their draft party.
For Moore's part, she gave her mother a hug upon her selection.
"It's officially started, this new beginning," Moore said. "I will bring energy and passion. I like to get out in transition, so hopefully I'll be able to bring some fun stuff there."
Moore's accolades are well-documented. She posted a 150-4 record in her four years at UConn, including back-to-back national championships in 2009 and 2010. She is the only player to win three Wade Trophies and ended her college career fourth in most career points with 3,036.
Moore also got professional seasoning last year, playing in the USA/WNBA All-Star game and winning a gold medal with the U.S. national team, comprised of current WNBA players, in the FIBA World Championship.
"It gave me confidence that I can be successful at the professional level, but it gave me some hunger to work on the little things to be successful at that level," she said.
Lindsay Whalen called in from Prague after Moore was drafted. Both were teammates on the gold-medal national team and the two played against each other in last year's All-Star Game.
"She brings so much toughness and all kinds of intangibles," she said. "She's a phenomenal jump-shooter. Quick release. Great balance. She's fearless."
Moore's future teammates had no fear displaying their excitement on Twitter. Rebekkah Brunson said, "My Lynx just got tougher. We are putting the pieces together."
Taj McWilliams-Franklin followed the draft from Russia. Although she was signed after the Lynx claimed the first pick in this year's draft, she posted, "So this is what it feels like to win the lottery."
Minnesota's fourth pick was no less ecstatic to join Moore this summer. The Lynx took Xavier's Amber Harris, who was named Atlantic 10 Player of the Year for the 2010-11 college season. Despite redshirting in 2008-09 because of injury, Harris finished her career with over 2,000 points and 1,000 rebounds.
"Going there and working together is going to help us out," Harris said.
Neither will have to wait long to greet each other, as a press conference is scheduled for both Moore and Harris Tuesday afternoon at the Target Center skyway concourse.
Harris' selection was a small surprise with local fans and media expecting her to be scooped up by the Chicago Sky, but Chicago used their first-round pick on Gonzaga's Courtney Vandersloot.
"Chicago did a great job keeping their draft picks a secret," said Roger Griffith, Lynx executive vice president.
"I had talked to the Chicago coach, so I was assuming they were going to pick me," Harris said.
Not that Minnesota is complaining about the Sky bucking most mock drafts.
"That was the big we wanted. She can shoot threes, she rebounds, she takes off the rim and goes coast-to-coast," said Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve, entering her second season.
Harris could have a rough time playing her natural position of power forward, following Brunson's outstanding season a year ago with Chardé Houston providing quality bench minutes at that spot.
She hopes to continue playing that position, but following the Lynx's trade of Nicky Anosike to Washington for a 2012 first-round pick, Harris understands the need to back up 40-year-old McWilliams-Franklin at center.
"They need a big down low, but most likely, I'd like to play in the three-four range," Harris said.
Naturally, there will be new tests as expectations rise for the Lynx to end their six-year playoff drought, which includes three tough eliminations in the last three years with three different coaches.
With position needs addressed, the biggest concern will be how this year's draft picks and other signings will affect on-court discipline. The Lynx lost nine games where they led by double-digits in 2010, not accounting for near-collapses, including an overtime win against the Connecticut Sun where Minnesota led by as much as 30. In virtually all of those nine losses, the Lynx would suffer defeat in the fourth quarter.
"I live in the land of high expectations at the University of Connecticut," Moore said. "It will help me grow as a person. It will expand my leadership and experience as a competitor."
On top of that, few could watch college women's basketball coverage on ESPN and not hear of Moore, whose college is close to ESPN's headquarters. To say Minnesota would not receive their attention to start the WNBA season would be a gross understatement.
"I believe we're the envy of the league with regard to the depth we have at each position," Reeve said. "Now my job is to find the combinations of players that play best together."
The Lynx drafted North Carolina's Jessica Breland and DePaul's Felicia Chester in the second round. Both were subsequently traded in prearranged transactions. Breland was traded to the New York Liberty for Angel Robinson and the Liberty's 2012 second-round pick. Chester was sent to the Atlanta Dream for player rights to Australian Rachel Jarry and the Dream's 2012 second-round pick.
Factoring draft day transactions, the Lynx will have six picks in the 2012 draft. Gauging how they will be used is too difficult to say, but with Minnesota's deep roster, Griffith decided to save some resources instead of using them on draft picks that likely would be cut.
"If you have the opportunity to pick up an extra asset, it's worth something to have that possibility," he said.
Capping off Minnesota's drafting was third-round selection Kachine Alexander. She and Robinson are Twin Cities natives who parlayed their high school talents into successful college careers at Iowa and Marquette respectively. Alexander averaged a double-double at Iowa her junior season, only one of two guards in the entire N.C.A.A. that year to do so. Robinson was an All-Big East First Team selection for Marquette last season.
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Programs available for DVD purchase
Autism: The Wall That Knows No Limits - Award-winning documentary series providing insights on autism rarely seen in contemporary media. Produced by someone on the spectrum, this series is a wealth of information for anyone seeking to learn about autism.
$15 for one episode, $50 for the complete series (4 episodes)
What Are You? A Dialogue on Mixed Race - Originally a school assignment, this one-hour documentary explores a population that existed for many years but didn't get much focus until recently. This program examines how a small but growing segment of the population could shift racial and cultural identity. Screened at the 2009 Mixed Roots Film and Literary Festival and will be screened at the inaugural Critical Mixed Race Studies conference at DePaul University. $15
From Vices to Verses: Featuring Voices Merging - From Vices to Verses: A New Era of Hip Hop and Action is a biannual conference held at the University of Minnesota. The goal is to promote the culture and history of hip-hop, which is often lost in the corporate mainstream representation. In this program, you'll see how the Voices Merging student group absorbed what they witnessed and how their experience will transform them as a group and as individuals. DVD copies come with 14 minutes of bonus footage not seen online or on TV. $15
Minnesota Machine: 2010 - Geared for Greatness - Join the professional women's football team in their historic 2nd season. Despite several injuries that depleted the roster, the Machine finished 2010 with a 6-3 record and their first division title in franchise history, edging the Iowa Thunder in the Midwest Division of the American Conference. This highlight reel includes clips from the 2010 season and their interview on the cable television show Rollin' and Tumblin' - $15
Silhouettes by RZI Couture - The inaugural breast cancer benefit fashion premiere took place in St. Paul and was met with a fabulous response. All the models were breast cancer survivors or relatives of someone affected by breast cancer and all the clothing was designed by Rosalyn Smaller, owner of RZI Couture and currently fighting breast cancer herself. The TV version features testimonials from the models and co-host Miss Georgia of KMOJ. $10 of every purchase will be donated to RZI Couture to help the breast cancer fight! $15