WNBA playoffs preview: Lynx travel to Seattle for one-game showdown
September 11, 2019 at 5:37AM
Facing must road win to advance
Preview: The Lynx and the Storm, who both went 18-16 in the regular season, are meeting in the playoffs for the first time since the Lynx swept a semifinal series in 2013. The Lynx have won the past three playoff meetings between the two. The Lynx, who were 1-3 against Seattle this season and have lost five of the past six regular-season meetings in the series, have a four-game losing streak in the state of Washington, dating to June of 2017.
Players to watch: G Odyssey Sims led the Lynx in scoring (14.5) and was fourth in the league in assists (5.4). C Sylvia Fowles averaged 13.6 points and led the Lynx in rebounding (8.9). F Napheesa Collier contributed 13.1 points and 6.6 rebounds per game. Former Lynx F Natasha Howard led the Storm in scoring (18.1) and rebounding (8.2). G Jordin Canada averaged 9.8 points and 5.2 assists per game.
Numbers: The Lynx were 7-10 on the road this season, including 0-2 at Seattle this season. Seattle was 11-6 at home, splitting its home games between two arenas while KeyArena is being renovated.
Injuries: Storm G Sue Bird, who had surgery on her left knee on May 30, is out. The Storm hoped Bird would return for the playoffs.
JOEL RIPPEL
about the writer
Widely known that Minnesota sports fans are among the most suffering in the nation, this holiday season has the chance to become special, given the recent success of the Vikings, Wolves, Lynx and Wild.
