LA coach: Lynx start ahead of most teams in talent

Los Angeles coach Carol Ross was asked about the Lynx before her team played them last Thursday.

"I saw them way too much [last season]," said Ross, who was an assistant coach for Atlanta last season. The Lynx swept the Dream in the WNBA Finals.

""They are clearly the best team in the league. They lost nothing. They've got all their pieces back. That is a big key to repeating -- is to not have much change. And they did a great job of keeping everybody together, having consistency.

"And they have three Olympians. Nobody else has that. So they obviously have better players than most teams. And that's a great start."

The Lynx then proceeded to beat the Sparks 105-83, proving her points.

But L.A. put up a good fight. Candace Parker, a 6-4 forward, and guard Kristi Toliver both has 23 points. Rookie Nneke Ogwumike had 20.

"Candace is just a great player," Ross said. "She is going to find ways to contribute. She is still trying to get meshed in. Like a lot of Lynx players you go from the European team to the U.S.A. team, back to the WNBA team. She can do so many things that whether she is on her 'A' game or not, she is going to bring a lot of intangible greatness to the court."

A key addition for L.A. is veteran guard Alana Beard, who was on the Washington roster the past two seasons but could not play because of injuries. "A great pickup," Ross said. "She has been so good, especially on the defensive end. She is another player that can help us. [She] plays multiple positions. Her offense is still coming, but she is productive."

WHAT TAJ MEANS TO LYNX

Lynx point guard Lindsay Whalen said having Taj McWilliams-Franklin, 41, back at center, is really great for the team.

"I know she is excited about the season," said Whalen earlier this month during media day. "And she is just such a big part of our team and what we were able to do last year. Just being a vocal leader. Leading by example. Being a coach on the floor.

"Being like another point guard with me out there with her passing. We have a continuous conversation throughout the season and throughout the games. It helps me personally along the way. I love having her back."

Erin Thorn, who will back up Whalen at point guard at times, also appreciates what McWilliams-Franklin does. "Taj may not be the fastest mover," said Thorn, a free agent the Lynx signed in the offseason. "But she knows what she is doing and she is always in the right place. Sometimes you just can't teach that."

Asked how the Lynx can repeat, Whalen said, "Remember it is fun. We had a lot of fun last year. That was a big key. Of course, you are going to work hard and there are going to be ups and downs but, if you stay in the moment, stay together and have fun with it, then good things can happen."

Whalen's presence helps, too.