Whalen Has Our Back


by Menzie Henderson
Lynx Writer

The Minnesota Lynx have battled through a vast array of adversity throughout the season and now have a playoff berth in sight. With only two pivotal games remaining in the regular season, the Lynx will look for Lindsay Whalen as their rightful captain to guide the ship to the promise land of the playoffs.

With the Lynx on her back, Whalen will continue to lead the team, as she has done throughout the month of August. During the final stretch of the season, Whalen has displayed consistency, something that the Minnesota Lynx have lacked as a team. While the Lynx have been through multiple up and downs this year, including key injuries, suspensions, and the winning and losing streaks, it is Whalen that stays consistent.

In the month of August, Whalen is averaging 16.4 points per game and 6.3 assists including two double-doubles and three 20+ point performances. Whalen has shown her unparallel competitiveness and veteran leadership, refusing to accept an early exit for the Minnesota Lynx as they push for the final playoff slots. Due to her recent impressive play, Whalen was granted a multi-year contract extension that will solidify Whalen's commitment as Minnesota’s point guard for years to come.

"Lindsay has provided invaluable leadership to our team and has really solidified the point guard position for our franchise - two things we knew she'd do for us when we acquired her,” Lynx executive vice president Roger Griffith said. “Lindsay is a player that is at the peak of her career and we expect her to continue to be one of the elite point guards in the WNBA for many years to come. We're very fortunate to have Lindsay and look forward to many great years ahead with her as our point guard."

In her first season with the Minnesota Lynx, Whalen has made a significant impact immediately. Whalen was one of two All-Stars for the Lynx, being named as a WNBA All-Star reserve this season, with averages of 12.4 points and 5.6 assists per game. Whalen was also rewarded for her offensive showcase throughout August by being named the Western Conference Player of the Week from August 2-8. During her phenomenal week, Whalen tallied 27 points and 12 assists on August 3, becoming the first in Lynx history with a 20-point/10-assist performance.

As the season’s end draws near, fans can rest assured that Lindsay Whalen will do everything in her power to help the team live up to preseason expectations.

"I think this is a great team and I think that is always something that I've put first," Whalen said. "I've always put the team first and do whatever I can to help the team. That is what I am going to continue to do and hopefully we will be successful."

At the beginning of the season, Whalen's goals were to compete in the Western Conference and advance deep in the playoffs. Now, looking to reach the postseason for the first time since 2004, it is clear that Whalen will be what keeps Minnesota's hopes and dreams alive.

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