Lynx 75 (2-1) - Shock 65 (0-2)


MENZIE HENDERSON
Lynx Writer

How it Happened
The Lynx wasted no time setting the tone by beginning the contest on a 17-3 run and finishing the first quarter with a controlling 24-8 lead. It started on the defensive end, where Minnesota held Tulsa without a bucket until the 6:45 mark in the opening stanza. The Lynx cruised through three periods and were able to hold off a late fourth quarter Shock run to earn the 75-65 win at Target Center.

Despite the high anticipation surrounding the initial matchup between the top two overall draft picks of Maya Moore and Liz Cambage, the rookies were both relatively held in check. Moore scored seven points on just 2-of-10 from the floor, while Cambage managed to eventually toughen out a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds, but it wasn't easy for the 6-foot-8 Aussie. Lynx center Taj McWilliams-Franklin put forth a tremendous defensive effort by keeping Cambage out of the paint with strong, physical play.

"Taj understands our defense really well," Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said. "She [McWilliams-Franklin] fights the post probably better than any other post defender in the league. Taj is 6-foot-2 but has the ability to keep Cambage from catching the ball from where she wants to catch it. Taj is invaluable and there is no substitute of what she gives us on the defensive end."

With scrappy defense, the Lynx were able to turn it into offense by picking up created deflections and turnovers to storm the other way in transition. The Lynx wanted to run and controlled an up-tempo style of play to dominate the fast break points 21-5.

The Lynx used the open floor effectively to find teammates streaking to the bucket and marched on to achieve back-to-back victories at home.

Leader of the Pack
Rebekkah Brunson recorded her third straight double-double to start the season with 17 points and 15 rebounds. Brunson picks up right where she left off last year, as she is well on her way to reaching her previous season total of 12 double-doubles. Through three games, the 6-foot-2 forward has snagged 42 rebounds to top the league. Despite often matching up against forwards and centers that have the size advantage over her, Brunson uses physical attributes and relentlessness around the rim to corral double-digit rebounds on a consistent basis.

"Brunson got the game ball tonight," Reeve said. "She's just relentless and just doesn't know any other way. I have a great deal of appreciation for her and the way she approaches the game. Her play is contagious and tonight was obviously a really good game for her."

Notable Performance
Lindsay Whalen ran the offense effectively throughout the night and finished with 16 points and four assists. Whalen often was the outlet to lead the break and set up teammates perfectly in the open floor. Most impressively, the Lynx always know they can rely on Whalen to be clutch at the free throw line. Tonight, Whalen knocked down 10-of-10 from the charity stripe, including several down the stretch to put an end to the late Shock run.

The Numbers Game
With four rebounds hauled in tonight, Seimone Augustus reached a career milestone of 500 rebounds.

Looking Ahead
The Lynx have a tough task ahead of them as they travel to face the defending WNBA Champions of the Seattle Storm on Thursday night.
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