Lynx can no longer use the 'no respect' line

For months now the Lynx have played the no-respect card, using slights – either perceived or real – as motivation.

That has gotten pretty difficult.

Just about everybody out in pundit land who has an opinion on the Lynx-Atlanta WNBA finals matchup has the Lynx winning.

Among them:

--Both Michelle Smith and Mechelle Voepel at ESPN.com picked the Lynx in four games. On ESPN's post-game show last Sunday, analyst Sue Bird picked the Lynx, too. At this point maybe even Rebecca Lobo might be in Minnesota's corner.

So, the question: What now, coach Cheryl Reeve? "Guess I'll have to go to my other pocket now," she joked.

But seriously, Reeve has been stressing with her players the dangers of thinking this series – a rematch from 2011 – will be a breeze. "It's a big danger," she said. "I appreciate all the confidence people have in our team. It's great they've build that. I'm fortunate that this group is a lot smarter than maybe some of the pundits who would label this series as being over before it's played.''

"I know each of us who will be wearing a uniform, and who will be on the sidelines, have a great deal of respect for (Atlanta coach) Fred Williams and his staff, and his preparation. And of course for their team, the way they're playing now.''

Today was the first full-contact, full-speed workout the team has had since winning in Phoenix Sunday. The team took Monday and Tuesday off, did some skill work and watched some film Wednesday, and went at it hard today in a rather long practice.