Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said she hasn't been disappointed in her team's composure very often in the last two and a half years, but Friday, when the Lynx lost their third straight game, Reeve said her team lost control in the third quarter.
It's something the Lynx can't do if they want to put a stop to their losing streak tonight against the New York Liberty at Target Center.
Kelly Parsons here at Target Center, subbing for Kent again tonight.
The Lynx have struggled defensively lately, allowing at least 80 points in three of their last four games. Friday they played without all-star and team-leading rebounder, Rebekkah Brunson, who sat out with an injury.
Reeve said before practice there still wasn't an official word on whether Brunson would be in the lineup tonight. But there was no doubt in Reeve's mind her team missed the 31-year-old veteran.
"We miss her leadership, we miss her rebounding, her passion, " Reeve said. "Brunson's been in the league a long time, it's that veteran stuff that you miss."
Reeve said the Lynx were impatient on offense in the loss to Tulsa, taking ill-advised shots to try and dig their way out of a hole they created for themselves early. Tonight, she said, starting strong early will be key.
Reeve isn't fully certain the Lynx, who still have the best record in the WNBA, have gotten the mistakes out of their system. But she's hoping to see a different team tonight than the one she's seen the past few outings.
