Lynx thump Tulsa, can't wait for playoffs

The Lynx took another step toward their first Western Conference title on Sunday, methodically thumping Tulsa 82-54 at Target Center to open a five-game lead in the West.

The victory, before an announced crowd of 8,388, was the Lynx's 18th this season, tying a franchise record. At 18-5, the Lynx have the best record in the WNBA with 11 regular-season games left.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is the Shock at 1-22. Their latest loss was their 17th in a row, tying an WNBA record for ineptitude.

One of the Lynx's goals is finishing with the best regular-season record to secure home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. Chasing the Lynx for the top seed are Eastern Conference powers Indiana (17-7) and Connecticut (15-8), 1 1/2 and three games behind, respectively.

That makes the Lynx's game at Connecticut on Tuesday pivotal. If the Lynx can beat the Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena for the first time in seven visits, Minnesota would pull four games ahead of Connecticut and have the tiebreaker. Realistically, only the Fever would remain a serious threat to the Lynx for the best record.

Against Tulsa, the Lynx won with everyone contributing -- the bench scored 31 points -- and the home team slowly pulling away.

"We weren't great, but we were solid," Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said. "We are a team that is carrying the label of the best team in the league. With that goes a lot of responsibility that, every time you step on the court, to play great.

The Lynx magic number to clinch a playoff spot is any combination of Lynx wins or Los Angeles Sparks losses adding up to four.

Seimone Augustus scored a game-high 16 points for the Lynx against Tulsa. Point guard Lindsay Whalen added 12 points and nine assists, while four teammates finished with nine points: starter Maya Moore and reserves Jessica Adair, Monica Wright and Candice Wiggins.

"They are just the best team in the league right now," said Tulsa coach Teresa Edwards, a former Lynx player and assistant coach. "Everybody knew on draft day [when the Lynx picked Moore No. 1], they had the best talent. There was pressure on them and they are rising to the occasion."

Wiggins said the Lynx, who have not made the playoffs since the 2004 season, are looking ahead. And why not?

"It would be absolutely ridiculous if we said we weren't thinking about a championship," said Wiggins, in her fourth season. "We have been thinking about a championship since the first day of training camp, honestly.