Lynx make headway by rolling with change

Much of the Lynx's season has become about how well the team can adjust to different situations.

First, there was the coaching change just before the season that put Jen Gillom in charge. Then, two weeks later, the Lynx lost leading scorer Seimone Augustus for the season because of a knee injury.

In the past month, guard Candice Wiggins showed she could lead the team in scoring.

The newest development with the ever-changing Lynx (9-5) has been the emergence of other players when teams focus in on Wiggins. Charde Houston, who scored a career-high 23 points in leading the Lynx past the San Antonio Silver Stars 83-76 on Sunday, has benefited from the extra attention paid to Wiggins.

This trend started two weeks ago when the Lynx defeated the Atlanta Dream -- which will be their opponent today at Target Center. With Wiggins leading the team with 23 points in that game, Houston added 18 points and sparked the Lynx in the second half.

"I think their [Atlanta] focus last time was to eliminate our outside shooting," Gillom said. "That's why Charde was so successful inside."

Houston has learned how important her role is. In the Lynx's first game against San Antonio -- a 77-61 loss Friday night -- Houston struggled from the field, shooting 2-for-9 for five points. In the rematch on Sunday, Houston shot 10-for-12 from the field.

"Shots just weren't falling when we lost," Houston said. "This time, I shot really well from the floor, and I was a lot more focused. I know this team needs me to play well."

With teams taking much more notice of Wiggins, who has become the team leader since Augustus' absence, Gillom said she understands players such as Houston have to continue to provide scoring support.

"We have some really smart players, and they are very coachable," Gillom said. "We're able to do a lot of things, and we have a lot of weapons. The good thing about this team is they're focused and they know they have to win as a team."

Houston, who is averaging 15 points and six rebounds, also had improved her shot from long range. What helped Houston to a career night last week was her ability to stretch the defense with four three-pointers. In her past three games, Houston is shooting 58 percent from behind the arc.

Still, it was Houston's defense that impressed Wiggins the most.

In Sunday's victory, Wiggins watched her teammate grab rebounds and close off the paint, noting that for the Lynx to keep winning, Houston will have to continue to command more attention.

"Her play," Wiggins said, "is the difference in us winning or losing the game."