Lynx-Phoenix gameday preview
Hot Mercury and Taurasi to visit
Preview: The Lynx are coming off their worst offensive performance of the year in a 60-53 loss Friday at Atlanta but are still returning to Target Center after a 2-1 road trip that has them 9-7 with a difficult stretch of games heading into the All-Star break. It begins against a Mercury team with guard Diana Taurasi back for the first time Friday. Taurasi played just over 15 minutes in a loss at Connecticut. But the Mercury (7-7) comes to Target Center having won five of its past seven games, including a one-sided victory over Washington. The Lynx are in fourth in the 12-team WNBA, 1½ games out of first but just two games out of ninth.
Players to watch: Lynx center Sylvia Fowles had her third straight double-double Friday and is tied with Lisa Leslie for the most in league history with 157. G Odyssey Sims scored nine points Friday, the first time in 13 games she hasn't scored in double figures. Phoenix boasts the league's top two scorers in C Brittney Griner (19.3) and F DeWanna Bonner (18.9).
Numbers: The Lynx's 53 points Friday was their lowest output since the 2010 season, which is a big reason the Lynx lost on a night when they held Atlanta to 33.8 % shooting, the fourth-lowest ever by a Lynx opponent in a loss.
Injuries: Lynx G Seimone Augustus (knee surgery) and F/C Damiris Dantas (left calf) are out. Phoenix F Sancho Lyttle (knee) is doubtful.
Kent Youngblood
about the writer
Royce Lewis’ blazing start to his Twins career had him atop the ranking at the end of spring. But times have changed.