Lynx Lose 3

OK, the Lynx are officially in a slump. The Lynx now have lost to the #3 and 4 teams in the WNBA on the road and now #2 Connecticut at home, 86-80.

For the 3rd straight game, the Lynx fell well behind--23-13 in the 1st, and 74-54 early in the 4th quarter. They quickly rallied to within 78-75 with 1:43 left to go, but got no closer.

Also for the 3rd straight game, an opposing guard and an opposing inside player pretty much had their way with the Lynx defense. This time it was Kara Lawson with 22 points and Tina Charles with 19 and 15.

Granted that Sophia Young, Candace Parker and Charles are all all-star caliber players. Ditto Becky Hammon, Kristi Tolliver and Lawson. But the fact is that most WNBA teams have a smooth operator in the lane and most have a solid perimeter threat. When exactly are the Lynx going to shut any of these people down?

But, wait. In the Lynx' hour of need, along comes the month-long schedule break for the Olympic games, preceded only by 2 games with the 2-13 Tulsa Shock. Still, a second straight WNBA title no longer seems likely, muchness inevitable. Maya Moore has struggled over these past 3 games, Lindsay Whalen has struggled at times, now (against Connecticut) Rebekah Brunson struggled mightily.

The consistent good news has been the Lynx' bench. Candace Wiggins continued her strong play with 11 points, Monica Wright added 6, Amber Harris 4 and Erin Thorn 2 for a total of 23 bench pints to 15 for the Sun.