The Lynx had beaten San Antonio seven times in a row in regular-season games.

So the Silver Stars were especially motivated Sunday. They made their first nine shots from the field to take a 23-11 lead en route to a 93-84 victory over the defending WNBA champions.

Before the first quarter was over, San Antonio had a 35-21 lead -- they were on a pace to score 140 points. They made six of seven three-point attempts. And finished 13 for 25 from behind the arc.

Becky Hammon alone was seven for 13 on threes. She had open looks on most of her made threes. The veteran guard had a game-high 23 points while forward Sophia Young added 22.

The Lynx had five players in double figures. Backup guard Monica Wright had 18 points, point guard Lindsay Whalen 15 points and forward Rebekka Brunson 13 points and 10 rebounds.

But the Lynx (13-2) never got the lead nor even managed a tie. They were within four points at halftime at 47-43 and closed to four again at 78-74 when Whalen scored on a fastbreak layup in the fourth quarter.

San Antonio responded with an 8-0 run, including a three-point play by Young and Hammon's seventh three which gave the Silver Stars a 86-74 lead.

The Lynx shot well enough, 49.2 percent, but couldn't get enough stops. San Antonio was either making three or driving to the basket and getting fouls. San Antonio was 18 for 21 on free throws.

The Lynx will return briefly to Minneapolis for a practice on Tuesday, then play at Los Angeles on Thursday before ending the week at home against Connecticut.