"Don't overanalyze," Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve told her players before they faced Seattle on Tuesday in the deciding game of their best-of-three Western Conference semifinal series.

She said the Lynx just have to do what they do well -- play defense, rebound and be efficient on offense -- and they will be OK.

Reeve said losing two of three games at the end of the regular season did not lead to the Lynx stalling in offense in the playoffs. "Even if you win three in the row [like the Storm did] at the end, it doesn't have any bearing on playing Seattle in a playoff series," she said. "If we are not successful, people will point to that. But I personally don't think it is a factor.

The Lynx are 17-1 at home this season. So playing at Target Center could be a big factor.

She said her players are excited to be playing in a Game Three, which are pretty common. "It is not like it doesn't happen very often," Reeve said. "That is the nature of it. You go win your home games. That is what you have to do. I think they are excited to be back here at home and wanting to play well."

Last year the Lynx started their drive to their first WNBA title by beating San Antonio in three games in their first series. "Having that experience is helpful, backs against the wall type thing," Reeve said. "These guys are so experienced. They have these situations overseas."

In the other West semifinal series, Los Angeles swept San Antonio in two games. And now the Sparks are awaiting the winner of this series. Reeve said she is sure L.A. is happy about getting extra rest.

If the Lynx win tonight, Los Angeles will play them here on Thursday night.

Starting lineups:

Lynx

G: Lindsay Whalen and Seimone Augustus

F: Rebekkah Brunson and Maya Moore

C: Taj McWilliams-Franklin

Seattle

G: Sue Bird and Tanisha Wright

F: Camille Little and Katie Smith

C: Lauren Jackson