Lynx-Dallas game preview

Best-ever record still possible

Preview: The Lynx will attempt to build on the best start in franchise history, trying to improve to 16-2 at the All-Star break; their 15-2 record at the halfway point of the season has them on pace to challenge the 2014 Phoenix Mercury (29-5) for the most victories in a WNBA season. The Lynx responded to a 100-76 loss in Chicago on July 8 with back-to-back victories over Phoenix. This is the third and final meeting with the Wings this season. The Lynx won the first two and have won the past seven meetings against this franchise and is 27-2 overall in the past 29 games. But the first victory this season was an 89-87 squeaker in Dallas. The Wings are third in the league in scoring at 85.6 ppg (the Lynx are first at 86.9), but are dead last in points allowed (87.7) and second-to-last in opponents' field-goal percentage (47.5). After falling to 4-8 early in the season, the Wings have gone 6-3.

Players to watch: Lynx C Sylvia Fowles has averaged 28.5 points and 11 rebounds in two games vs. the Wings, shooting 22-for-34. Backup G Jia Perkins is coming off a season-high 13 points. Backup F Plenette Pierson has scored 10 points off the bench in consecutive games. Dallas G Skylar Diggins-Smith has averaged 16.5 points and 6.0 assists vs. Minnesota this season and G Allisha Gray has averaged 14.5 points in those two games.

Numbers: The Lynx lead the league in defensive rating (96.4) and scoring defense (76.7).

Injuries: The Lynx report no injuries. Wings G Aerial Powers (hip) is out.

KENT YOUNGBLOOD