Lynx Secure Home Court Advantage in Playoffs with Historic Triumph
The Minnesota Lynx have secured home-court advantage throughout the WNBA playoffs after achieving their 31st win of the season, setting a new franchise record. The team achieved this feat on Saturday with a resounding 94-70 victory over Connecticut. In the game, five Lynx players reached double figures in scoring, with Alanna Smith and DiJonai Carrington standing out, both with 18 points. Napheesa Collier contributed 17 points and nine rebounds.Last season, the Lynx were runners-up in the league, losing to New York, who had the home-court advantage in the WNBA Finals. The Finals this year have extended to a seven-game format. In addition to having the best overall league record at 31-8, the Lynx also hold the best home record, with 18-2.The games are very difficult, no matter where you play. So having that home advantage, receiving the energy from your fans, is huge.
Alanna Smith
Reeve, the coach with the longest tenure in the WNBA, has guided the Lynx since 2010 and led them to titles in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2017. The WNBA season has been extended to 44 games this year, and the Lynx achieved their 31st victory in their 39th game. The franchise’s best winning percentage in a regular season was 82.4% in 2016, with a 28-6 record. Currently, the Lynx have a 79.5% winning percentage, with five games remaining.We have a scenario now where, if we win our home games, we win the WNBA championship. We believe in our abilities at home; our fanbase is fantastic. They are going to come in droves to support us.
Cheryl Reeve, Lynx coach
Despite having secured the home-field advantage, Reeve stated that they will not slow down for the remainder of the regular season.Week after week in the league… we’ve never really looked at our record. So when you clinch a spot, and you look at the record, you say: ‘Oh my gosh!’ What does that mean? That this group is really special.
Cheryl Reeve
In addition, four of the Lynx’s remaining five games are against teams that have already secured their playoff spot or are in the fight, including matchups against Las Vegas, Indiana, and Golden State. The Thursday game against Las Vegas, which has won 12 consecutive games, is also important, as it will be the last regular season matchup between the leading MVP candidates, Collier and A’ja Wilson, Aces’ center.We don’t have that mindset that it doesn’t mean anything. It always means something. Can we work on some things that we have the opportunity to analyze? Maybe some combinations, generate some momentum in some areas.
Cheryl Reeve
