History On The Line In Lynx-Fever Finals Rematch on ESPN2

On Tuesday night, the Minnesota Lynx will host the Indiana Fever at 8:00 PM EST on ESPN 2 in a highly anticipated matchup. Here are five storylines to watch for:
Infographic: Sizing Up Lynx vs. Fever
History On The Line
The Minnesota Lynx enter Tuesday’s game with a 10-0 record, matching their own record for the best start in WNBA history, which they set back in 2012. A win against the Fever would not only set a new mark, but would also keep them ahead of the also-unbeaten Sparks (9-0), who host the Sky at 10:30 PM ET.
Finals Rematch, This Time At Full Strength
The Lynx and Fever met, of course, in last year’s WNBA Finals, a classic five-game series that was eventually won by the Lynx to clinch their third title in five years. This is not the teams’ first meeting since then, however. A few weeks ago, the Lynx beat the Fever 74-71 despite leading 29-6 after the first quarter. The Fever were shorthanded in that first meeting, however, missing both Shenise Johnson and Briann January. This time around, both teams should be at full strength, giving us a true rematch of last year’s Finals.
(Potentially) Tamika’s Final Game In Minnesota
Tamika Catchings will be calling it quits after this season, retiring after in illustrious 15-year career. And with the Fever’s only remaining game against the Lynx set to be played in Indianapolis, this will be Catchings’ final trip to the Target Center. That is, unless the Fever and Lynx meet in the Playoffs, which, given the new format, is now possible in any round. Not just the WNBA Finals.
How Will Sylvia Fowles Perform?
Sylvia Fowles was unstoppable in last year’s WNBA Finals. With the Fever lacking serious size inside to match the 6-foot-6 Fowles, the Lynx’s center had her way, averaging 15.6 points and 9.4 rebounds over the five games, on her way to taking home Finals MVP honors. In the first meeting between these teams this year, however, Fowles went 0-7 from the field, finishing with zero points and six rebounds. A performance along the lines of the 15.2 points and 8.6 rebounds she’s averaging this year would go a long way to helping the Lynx make history with a win.
Fever Looking To Stop Skid
The Fever come into Tuesday’s meeting at just 4-6 this year, losers of two in a row and three of their last four. Interestingly enough, the Fever also started out last season 4-6, then went on a four-game winning streak which helped propel them to the WNBA Finals. Could a big road win against the Lynx jump start another such streak?
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