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Morning Edition
Cathy Wurzer and Gracie Stockton

Lynx to lean on defensive strategy, fan support as playoffs begin with home game

two female basketball players in action
Chicago Sky guard Chennedy Carter (7) goes to the basket as Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride (center) and forward Napheesa Collier (24) guard against her in the third quarter of a WNBA basketball game Sept. 13 in Minneapolis.
Bruce Kluckhohn | AP

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The Minnesota Lynx begin round one of the WNBA playoffs Sunday, after ending the regular season with a loss — but they’re not worried.

The Lynx had a spectacular season, finishing at the top of the Western Conference and number two overall, with a 30-10 record. They fell to the Los Angeles Sparks 68-51 and ended a seven-game winning streak Thursday night, but kept usual starters Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride on the bench to rest ahead of the postseason.

“We didn’t have the continuity that we’re quite used to, and it was really, actually, a benefit for us, because we were able to get some of our young players who don’t see a lot of minutes … and just see what they can do in the real competitive situation and environment,” Lynx General Manager Clare Duwelius told MPR News Friday.

The 2023 season ended in the first round of the playoffs for the Lynx, and Duwelius is hopeful history won’t repeat itself. Picking up free agents Courtney Williams and Alanna Smith, starting training camp early and fully embracing one another as a team and a culture have “culminated into and correlated to the wins that we are able to enjoy on the court” this year, Duwelius said. Heading into playoffs, she asserted a strong defense will remain a key strategy for success.

“It’s the narrative around the league that we are just so selfless, and how we kind of cover for each other and fly around on the defensive end, and honestly, that leads to our offensive opportunities,” Duwelius said.

She’s happy Minnesota won most of its home games during the regular season, giving them a home-court advantage — and major fan presence — on Sunday.

“We’re so, so happy that we have their support and we feel it, and it’s a big reason why we’re the two seed,” Duwelius said. “So we’re just so grateful and happy to see the fans that are going to show up for us yet again.”

The Lynx host the Phoenix Mercury at Target Center on Sunday. Tipoff is set for 4 p.m. Game two is also at home starting at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday. If either team forces a game three, Minnesota will get on the road to Arizona for a Thursday meeting.