This might seem like old had to many of the Lynx players. Winning season, playoff appearance, title drive.
But it's relatively new for one key player.
Center Janel McCarville made three playoff appearances with the New York Liberty, in 2007, 2008 and 2010, reaching the Eastern Conference finals in 2008. But, not having played in the league in 2011 and 2012, it's been a while since she felt this excitement.
And it's showing.
"We enjoyed her excitement yesterday," Seimone Augustus said after practice Tuesday. "We had a playoff meeting. And she was like, 'This is the first time ever being to the playoffs as the No. 1 seed, so on and so forth,' '' Augustus said. "And we were like, 'Just hold on, the ride's going to get a little bit better, so go on this ride, this roller coaster, with us.' And she said, 'I'm right there with you.' ''
Augustus laughed at the memory.
After taking Sunday and Monday off of practice, the Lynx went back to work today. The mood was, frankly, upbeat. At one point, while McCarville was talking with reporters, Lindsay Whalen stepped up into the group and played reporter, asking a question of her own.
But don't let the jokes fool you. This is a focused Lynx team. Losing in the finals last year has stuck with this team. I'll write more about this later in the week, but the Lynx have a different mindset entering these playoffs than they did as defending champions last year.
