Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve looks for solutions to sometimes-clunky play

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve knows there are ups and downs to every game. Runs for each team, times when things are clicking and times when they're clunky.

But, on a team that remains under .500 (5-7) more than a third of the way through the season, there has been too much clunky play.

And that has changed the way she and her staff have tried to prepare the team, which plays at Atlanta on Wednesday night.

"We let the bottom fall out too much," Reeve said. "We have to make sure when those moments happen, we either find a way to trade baskets or to just stem the tide."

Minnesota's loss at Dallas on Saturday was another example. In the second of back-to-back games against the Wings — who the Lynx had beaten Thursday — the Lynx took too many bad shots and had five turnovers turned into eight points in the first quarter, which ended with the Lynx down 29-14.

It has been a familiar theme in losses this season, when struggles on offense have allowed an opponent to get the Lynx in transition. When they play half-court defense, Reeve feels they do it pretty well. But in transition? Not the same.

"As coaches we've had to get more targeted in response," Reeve said. "To be specific. Not just say, 'Get a three-in-a-row stop' or say, 'Get a deflection.' This group needs to hear more specific things. Like, 'Deny this reversal.' Or 'Deny this entry pass.' "

On offense, Reeve is being more specific, too:

• The Lynx need to make sure center Sylvia Fowles is always an option. In Dallas on Saturday, Fowles took just six shots. And while it was partly due to an off-night, Reeve said the Lynx need to make sure to establish Fowles as a threat inside.

• Reeve needs to find a way to get Napheesa Collier off to quicker starts. In her words, Reeve said she needs more "dominant Phee." Collier has struggled at times in the opening quarter. Through specific play-calling and putting Collier in good positions, Reeve needs that to change.

"If we've had two bad offensive possessions, on that third one what are we running?" Reeve said. "Here's who needs to have it, get it to 'em. Get a good shot, get to the foul line."

• Also key is getting more productive play out of Bridget Carleton and Damiris Dantas. With the injuries the Lynx have sustained, their contributions are important. They were two of the team's best three-point shooters last season, for example. This year they are a combined 19-for-69 (27.5%).

A more efficient offense will mean less need for transition defense. That could be a formula for stopping the bleeding when things aren't going well.

"We can't afford to have two or three possessions where we are in second gear," Reeve said. "We have some people who're feeling pressure. They want to play better. But sometimes you can squeeze too tight."