lynx gameday
2:30 P.M. VS. PHOENIX, GAME 2 Target Center• Ch. 5, 106.1-FM
Lynx update: A lot of things went wrong for the Lynx in Friday's loss in Phoenix. Minnesota shot 39.7 percent, was outrebounded 45-31 and was outscored 24-12 on points off turnovers. Minnesota's 10 assists were a season low. Now the Lynx get to play at home, where they have won six straight playoff games dating back to 2012 and are 16-2 this season. But the Lynx need much more out of several players. F Maya Moore failed to score in double figures for the first time this season and got only nine shots, her lowest number this season. G Seimone Augustus missed her final nine shots, and she failed to curb a big game by Mercury G Penny Taylor. The bench was an issue as well, the Lynx getting just seven points there.
Mercury update: The Mercury's play Friday was stunningly balanced. All five starters scored in double figures, and the starting five shot a combined 28-for-59. G Diana Taurasi scored 17 with six rebounds and five assists, and C Brittney Griner got the shots she wanted, scoring 23 points with 11 rebounds and three blocks. But the surprises were Taylor and F DeWanna Bonner. Taylor scored 16 points with 13 rebounds and seven assists while holding Augustus in check. Bonner was the player most responsible for slowing Moore, and she added 16 points. Now the Mercury will try to close out the series on the road, where they are 14-4, including playoffs, this season.
Kent Youngblood
