Lynx on a Roll
August 2, 2013
The Minnesota Lynx used a strong offensive effort in the first and fourth quarters to swamp the San Antonio Silver Stars, 85-63, at Target Center on August 2. The Lynx controlled the game and tallied 54 of their 85 points in the two quarters. In between, the play of both teams was loose and untidy. Minnesota saved its best for last, hitting for 29 fourth-quarter points. The team improved its won-lost record to 15-3 (tops in the WNBA), including a 9-0 home record.
The win extended Minnesota’s winning streak to eight games – longest in the WNBA this season – and set a franchise record 17 consecutive wins at home, which ranks as the fourth longest such streak in league history.
A crowd of 8,733 watched as Seimone Augustus totaled a game-high total of 18 points on 9-for-14 shooting. Maya Moore, meanwhile, started off hot, cooled down, and wound up with 16 points, including the Lynx lone three-point basket. In contrast, the Silver Stars were living at the three-point line, making nine of 26 attempts. Reserve Shameka Christon scored all 15 of her points from three-point range and was San Antonio’s top scorer.
Lindsay Whalen set the tone for the game by forcing two steals on the Silver Stars’ first three possessions. Whalen finished the game with 12 points, eight assists, and six rebounds.
Prior to the start of the game, Augustus, Moore, and Whalen were presented with rings commemorating their 2012 Olympic gold medals.
The Lynx shot 54 percent from the field and limited the Stars to 34 percent. This year, Minnesota has held a dozen opponents to sub-40 percent shooting. The team has won by the average of 16 points during the eight-game winning streak. San Antonio never led but came within four points at 41-37 shortly after the start of the third quarter before baskets by Augustus (twice), Moore, and Rebekkah Brunson increased the lead to 49-37.The Stars rank last in the WNBA in rebounding prowess, and it showed. Brunson led all rebounders with 12 as the Lynx out-rebounded their opponent by 43-29.