Numbers tell why Lynx won sixth in a row

The Lynx not only beat the Washington Mystics on the scoreboard 73-56 on Tuesday, they beat them in so many other stats:

* They outshot Washington 56.1 percent from the field to 35.6 percent. The 56.1 percent was just off the season high of 57.1 percent the Lynx have shot twice this year, the second time in the first game against the Mystics. The most precise shooter was point guard Lindsay Whalen. She was 10 of 12 from the field and made her first nine shots.

Jessica Adair, the backup center, was four of four from the floor. ... The one area of concern was free throw shooting; the Lynx were just six of 11 or 54.5 percent. Not good. Whalen was one of three at the foul line.

* On the boards, the Lynx had a 31-23 advantage. Rebekkah Brunson had seven, which tied her with the Mystics' Nicky Anosike for game-high.

* The Lynx had a huge 46-24 dominance in points in the paint, making 23 of 32 shots in the lane.

* Second-chance points were 14-4 in the Lynx's favor.

* Fastbreak points were 21-8 for the Lynx.

The Lynx (24-6) have run away with the Western Conference regular-season title. They have done it by going 8-1 in their last nine games and 19-3 in their last 22.

Minnesota has won six games in a row overall, and nine in a row at home. If they keep that win string going, and win their last four regular-season games, the Lynx would tie the WNBA record for most victories in a single season which is 28.

The Los Angeles Sparks won 28 in 2000 and 2001 and so did Seattle last season when the Storm were 28-6 en route to the WNBA title.