Playoff preview: Lynx vs. San Antonio
Tonight: 8 p.m. Friday at Target Center, NBA-TV, 106.1-FM
Sunday: 4 p.m., at San Antonio, ESPN2, 106.1-FM
Tuesday: at Target Center, if necessary, TBA
Three keys to the series
The Lynx are 4-0 this season against the Silver Stars, winning the first two games on buzzer-beaters and the last two by 10 and 11 points. Here's what to watch in their fifth tussle:
The rebounding battle: The Lynx led the league in rebounding, averaging 6.4 more rebounds per game than their opponents. San Antonio was minus-5.7, worst in the league.
Augustus on Hammon: Seimone Augustus has given Becky Hammon headaches lately, holding her to zero and nine points the past two times their teams have met. Hammon was 1-for-20 in those games.
Fast-break points: The Lynx are the most dangerous when Lindsay Whalen has the ball in the open court and Maya Moore is sprinting on her wing.
Four players to watch
Rebekkah Brunson, Lynx: The 6-2 forward has averaged 12 rebounds per game against San Antonio.
Candice Wiggins, Lynx: The fourth-year guard can provide a spark off the bench by hitting three-pointers. She has made 49, second on the team behind Moore's 58.
Danielle Robinson, San Antonio: The quick rookie guard moved into the starting lineup late in the season and is coming off a career-high 36 points against Tulsa on Sunday.
Danielle Adams, San Antonio: The 6-1 rookie forward has a round body, but she was one of the surprises of the WNBA until a midseason foot sprain sidelined her for a month. She averages 12.4 points as a reserve.
FIVE STAT COMPARISONS
Points per game: Lynx 81.5, third in WNBA; Silver Stars77.6,sixth
Defense, opponents' points: Lynx73.1,second; Silver Stars75.5,fifth
Field-goal percentage: Lynx46.1,tie for first; Silver Stars43.0,ninth
Turnovers per game: Lynx12.9,second; Silver Stars12.8,first
Avg. years of WNBA experience: Lynx4.7, Silver Stars6.3
Fatigue is in play, as are emotions after a dramatic loss in Game 3. But the Lynx have proven all season they’re a team you can’t count out — do so at your own risk