WNBA Finals 2017

Practice 3

Sept. 28, 2017

Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota Lynx

Q: With both teams being able to win on the other’s home court, do you believe there is really a homecourt advantage in this series?

Reeve: I think Candace [Parker] said it best… it probably doesn’t matter where these two teams play, you’re talking about awfully talented players. That being said, we haven’t won here this year. L.A. has done a great job taking care of their homecourt this entire season, including the playoffs so we have our work cut out for us.

Q: How important is it to start the games off well in this series?

Reeve: I think both teams experienced not doing that, so I suspect it will be on both teams’ minds. It will be a test of wills, for sure in the beginning of the games because both teams will try to establish themselves early. All I know is I’m sure it was on our minds Game 1 but we weren’t able to get it done. I know it was on L.A.’s mind for Game 2 but they weren’t able to get it done. It’s why they play the game.

Q: What was the reason you guys were so effective on the boards in Game 2?

Reeve: Understanding that’s how you win games because it’s a possession game. You work hard to play hard with passion and we didn’t do that in Game 1.

Q: With the Finals tied 1-1 for the second straight year between these two teams, what makes them so evenly matched?

Reeve: Talent. Talent on both sides, that’s what makes us so close. There’s really good players on both teams and that’s the league the last two years. We were close in the standings down the stretch. L.A. is good. We’re good. We’ve established ourselves and that’s why you see closely contested games.

Sylvia Fowles, Minnesota Lynx

Q: What’s been the difference in each game?

Fowles: Both teams doing the small things. Doing things that are going to take us out of our element-type of thing. I think that’s what both teams are focusing on right now. We played each other three times throughout the year. We pretty much know what each other bring to the table. So, it’s about doing the little things.

Q: Is there anything you guys don’t know about the Sparks?
Fowles: No, I’m pretty sure they know us just as well as we know them. That’s the difference maker. That’s what it comes down to – doing things out of the ordinary what we don’t know that the team does a lot.

Q: How surprised are you at each team fighting back from large deficits?

Fowles: It just shows the dynamics of both teams. It doesn’t matter how far you’re up within the game. You have two scrappy teams that don’t give up. We know how to win. I think that’s what it comes down to – both teams knowing how to play.

Q: I know you guys are taking it game-by-game, but you can’t ignore there’s a rivalry building out there. The games are just too intense.

Fowles: It is intense.

Q: A lot of physicality.

Fowles:  A lot of physicality. L.A. was one or two on top of the charts in almost every category. That’s what you expect once you get around playoff time. Both teams are going go out there and give it their all. Both teams are gritty. Both teams are physical. That’s what you expect. You see a lot of similarities in both teams.

Q: Fair to say that you wouldn’t have it any other way?

Fowles: I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Rebekkah Brunson, Minnesota Lynx

Q: What makes the teams so evenly matched?

Brunson: We’re really competitive and have really good teams. We’re relentless and neither one of us is going to give up. I think that’s what makes it exciting. Neither one of us feels like we are safe at any point in the game. You have to keep playing and keep competing until it is over.

Q: Is there a change in the mindset for a road game?

Brunson: We’re not going try to change what we do. We’re going to continue to be who we are and play the way we need to play and bring some energy.

Lindsay Whalen, Minnesota Lynx

Q: With The Finals matchup between these two teams being tied 1-1 for the second straight year, what makes these two teams so evenly matched?

Whalen: A lot of really good players and a lot of really good coaches. Two great head coaches and really good staffs that put their all into it. Some really good players making plays and people who are working hard. You make one mistake and it can lead to a basket. They put you into a lot of defensive situations that are tough, but that’s what The Finals are about. It’s supposed to be hard and supposed to be tough, and everybody giving it their all and putting their best foot forward.

Q: What are some adjustments you are looking to make going into Game 3?

Whalen: We’ll just be ready for Game 3 tomorrow night and focus on that.

Q: What is your mindset heading into this Game 3?

Whalen: We’ve had a lot of road games over the years and it’s fun. This is going to be a great environment because we know there are a lot of great basketball fans out here in L.A. I’m looking forward to it and the opportunity to play again. That what you play, to be in front of big crowds. There were a couple of great crowds in Minnesota and I know L.A. will have great crowds this weekend.

Seimone Augustus, Minnesota Lynx

Q: Can you talk about what this series has been so far? It’s kind of like déjà vu from last year.

Augustus: I mean it’s just more of the same. Same situations – they won Game 1 and we had to win Game 2. It’s a tale of two games. This is something I think everybody has been looking forward to. I think everybody expected that when you have the two top teams in the league. So far, so good.

Q: These last two games have had intense finishes. Can you talk about that?

Augustus: We have to keep our composure and obviously execute down the stretch, but it’s been fun. It’s been fun out there to play in it. I know it’s been fun to watch. It’s just been a great series so far.

Q: Both teams had at least a 20-point lead in each game, but both games came down to the wire. Why the huge swings in these games?

Augustus: Just the way that we come out. I think the aggressive nature of both teams. They knew the sense of urgency they needed to have to get Game 1. Then, we knew the sense of urgency we needed to have to get Game 2 to not come here down 0-2. So, I can’t really explain the slopes and shifts in the game, but [it’s] just great players making great plays to get back in the game. From there, it’s the basketball that everybody wants to see.

Q: Both coaches spoke about the depth and multiple options each team has.

Augustus: If you give a coach like Cheryl Reeve and Brian Agler a few extra days like we have between Game 3, you never know. They might have a few tweaks here and there. Maybe a few new plays. That’s the nature of the WNBA — two brilliant-minded coaches as far as the game planning and adjustments that will be made in a short period of time.

Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx

Q: What are you looking forward to most with bringing this rivalry back to L.A.?

Moore: Getting on the court playing with my team. Every day that I get to be with this group is so special. Just looking forward to the grind of every game and thankfully we don’t have to wait too much longer until the next one. 

Q: You all have proven that these two teams are so close and the margin of victory has been very slim so what’s the difference between winning and losing a game in this series?

Moore: Just the little details. Who’s going to execute their game plan on both sides of the ball with more effort and focus for 40 minutes is really what it comes down to. Like you said, the margin of error is so small that you never know which play is going to win it for your team.

Q: What do you think this series means for basketball fans?

Moore: This series has been amazing for the game and sports in general. More people have been watching that may have never watched before and they’re getting a taste of the best. It’s been a historic time for our league and for the game because there’s more ways for people to watch us now more than ever. It’s really cool knowing that eyeballs are getting on this amazing series the last couple of years.

Q: What type of funny reactions have you seen in person or on social media about this amazing series?

Moore: I haven’t looked for a lot of outside reactions at this point of the season but I think people are really invested. They just can’t turn away because the games are so good. Emotional highs and lows of all the big swings in the series. It’s been really entertaining and for all those close to the players, it’s probably been an emotional rollercoaster for those family and friends.

Q: How would you best describe this Lynx-Sparks rivalry?

Moore: It’s intense. It’s two heavyweights going at it, trying to inch out an advantage at every moment. There’s no question you’re seeing really talented players play.