Top Ten Lynx Moments of 2010


by Menzie Henderson
Lynx Writer

At the beginning of the year, the stage was set for greatness. The hometown hero, Lindsay Whalen returned to Minneapolis and was expected to lead a Lynx team loaded with talent to the playoffs and beyond.

However, Minnesota failed to reach the playoffs and the high expectations after battling through adversity throughout the season. The Lynx were rarely at full strength, with injuries sustained to key players that limited the team�s potential.

With a late season push for the postseason, the Lynx still managed to finish just one game out of the playoff picture.

In a season marked by numerous close losses and ups and downs, the Lynx showed flashes of brilliance, as we now look back upon the top ten moments and achievements that defined the hard-fought 2010 Minnesota Lynx season.

#10 � Whalen Returns Home
Lindsay Whalen made her home debut on May 16, receiving a warm welcome from the Minnesota faithful at Target Center. The hometown hero finally returned to her city after much anticipation and finished with 12 points and seven assists in front of thousands of loyal fans. Unfortunately, the Lynx fell 87-76, but seeing Whalen back in a Minnesota uniform provided happiness across the state.

#9 � Candice Wiggins� Hot Hand
Lynx guard Candice Wiggins scored a game-high 19 points and was on fire from beyond the arc. Wiggins nailed five three-pointers as the Lynx cruised to a 92-78 road win over the Tulsa Shock.

#8 � Augustus Shines in Debut
For the first time in over a year due to major injuries, Seimone Augustus returned to her fans at Target Center on June 18 and was impressive. Augustus led the Lynx to a 78-67 victory over the Shock, and finished her triumphant return with 27 points. She also drained five three-pointers, which surpassed her career high of four set back in 2009.

#7 � Monica Wright�s Breakout Game
After witnessing her scoring abilities at the University of Virginia, we all knew what Monica Wright was capable of doing; it was just a matter of time before the rookie would shine. On June 1, Wright provided a huge spark for the Lynx off the bench and exploded for a career-high 32 points in a 92-82 victory over the Phoenix Mercury. In an ESPN2 televised game, Wright proved to the nation just how dangerous she can be.

#6 � Whalen�s Double-Double Performance
On August 3, Lindsay Whalen led the Lynx to a 111-103 overtime win against the Connecticut Sun. Whalen impressed her former squad, having her best game of the season. Whalen posted an unreal double-double with 27 points and 12 assists; both were season highs.

#5 � Brunson Sets Franchise Record
Rebekkah Brunson was one of the most consistent players for the Minnesota Lynx throughout the season, averaging 11.3 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. On July 8, Brunson led the Lynx to an 89-66 victory over San Antonio and posted 24 points and 10 rebounds. On this night, Brunson set a single season franchise record with her eighth double-double of the season. Brunson continued to stretch the record and finished the season with 12 double-doubles.

#4 � Multiple Achievements in an Instant Classic
In the best game of the season, the Phoenix Mercury and the Minnesota Lynx put on a double-overtime instant classic for fans at Target Center on July 24. Unfortunately, the Mercury prevailed with a 127-124 win over the Lynx. Had the Lynx won this game, it would easily be the number one moment of the season. Minnesota set multiple records and achievements with a franchise record of six players scoring in double figures, Lindsay Whalen surpassing the 2,500 career points milestone, Rebekkah Brunson grabbing a franchise record 17 rebounds, all while Seimone Augustus led the Lynx with a season-high 36 points. The highest scoring game in WNBA history, will forever be remembered.

#3 � Lynx End Storm�s Streak
With a Nicky Anosike made free throw with 5.5 seconds remaining in the game, Minnesota halted Seattle�s 13-game win streak with a narrow 72-71 win on August 1 at target Center. In a huge upset win, the Lynx gained pivotal ground in the Western Conference and handed Seattle only its third loss of the season at the time.

#2 � Augustus Reaches 2,500-Point Milestone
With her two-point basket at the 9:13 mark of the fourth quarter in the August 1 win over Seattle, Lynx superstar Seimone Augustus hit the 2,500-point plateau for her career. Augustus did so in just her 120th career game; only Cynthia Cooper scored 2,500 points faster. Augustus has a career scoring average of 20.4 points per game, trailing only Cooper�s 21.0 career average.

#1 � Lynx Represent Players in All-Star Game and Team USA
On July 10, the Minnesota Lynx sent two team representatives to the "2010 WNBA vs. USA Basketball: The Stars at the Sun" game. Lynx guard Lindsay Whalen and forward Rebekkah Brunson were part of the WNBA Stars team, as Team USA defeated the Stars, 99-72. Whalen scored eight points, hauled in four rebounds, and dished out two assists. Brunson totaled six points, two boards and a team-high two blocks for the WNBA Stars.

On August 18, it was announced that Rebekkah Brunson has been added to the 2009-12 USA Basketball Women�s National Team. Brunson will join Lynx teammates Seimone Augustus, Lindsay Whalen and Candice Wiggins on the 24-member pool.

For more news and notes on the team follow the Minnesota Lynx on Twitter.