The Lynx started preparation in earnest for Phoenix in practice Tuesday on the Target Center main court.

And that means getting ready for Brittney Griner. For all the talk of her dunking ability, it is her ability to block shots that concerns Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve the most.when getting ready for Thursday's game.

So, throughout practice 7-foot Xavier Crawford – the former Cal State-Northridge center who is often a member of the team of men the Lynx practice against – was encouraged to block shots whenever possible.Reeve wants her players to get the message that, when playing against Griner, one lesson needs to be learned: "We're making sure we're understanding the difference between courage and stupidity,'' Reeve said, referring to players who attack the basket when Griner is there defending it.Meanwhile, forward Rebekkah Brunson, who was held out of Monday's practice with a sore groin muscle, was back in practice Tuesday.