After Monday's practice Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said not to expect the Lynx to play any differently now that they've all but been mathematically eliminated from winning the Western Conference.
"If you don't keep your intensity up you don't win," she said. "We don't want to end the season not playing well. That's our motivation. No matter who we're playing."
Reeve said she isn't thinking about cutting down on the minutes of some of her players to rest them for the upcoming playoffs.
That said, the Lynx will get a look at two teams that could wind up as their first-round playoff opponent both Tuesday (when they host Los Angeles ) and Friday (when they play at San Antonio). The Sparks and Stars are currently third and fourth in the Western Conference, respectively, with only a half-game separating them.
It's unclear which team the Lynx would be better off playing. The Sparks have underachieved this season, but have a roster talented enough to make a playoff run. San Antonio shoots the ball well and has given the Lynx some difficult games. Still, the Lynx are undefeated against both teams this season.
Know this: Reeve will play both games without showing much of her hand, in terms of adjustments the team will make heading into the playoffs. And don't expect Reeve to say which team she'd prefer playing.
"At this time of the year you could really drive yourself crazy trying to control things that are really beyond your control," she said. "It's always easier to focus on yourself. Regardless of who we're playing, or positioning, we want to play well as we go into next week."
Meanwhile, star guard Seimone Augustus was held out of practice today to let her rest; Reeve said she expected Augustus to be in the lineup Tuesday night.
That's about it for now. I'll get back to you before Tuesday's game.
