Lynx struggle offensively in Game 1 loss

The Lynx made their quest for another WNBA title a lot tougher on themselves Sunday by dropping Game 1 of the finals with sloppy offensive performance.

The Lynx had problems executing their offense and missed too many free throws in a 75-69 loss to the Indiana Fever at Target Center.

The bottom line in Game 1 was this: The Fever ran their offense and got better shots than the Lynx in the fourth quarter when the game was up for grabs.

Indiana won despite shooting 36 percent from the field for the game.

The Lynx looked disjointed and frustrated on offense all game. Among the lowlights:

They finished with 15 turnovers, including four by Sylvia Fowles in the first quarter.

They made only 15 of 23 free throws, which were costly in a close game. Maya Moore missed three free throws.

They shot just 2 of 10 from three-point range.

The Lynx basically were forced to rely on two scorers Moore (27 points) and Fowles (21). They got virtually nothing offensively from Lindsay Whalen, who clearly is hindered by injuries and/or fatigue and is not herself. Whalen scored only four points in 23 minutes.

Seimone Augustus had a small flurry in the fourth quarter to help the Lynx briefly take the lead, but she was mostly non-existent too. Augustus finished with nine points on 3 of 11 shooting.

The Lynx will need monster performances by Moore if they're going to win this series. That or someone else is going to take step forward and provide some help so it's not all on Moore's shoulders to save the day.