By Jim Souhan
The Lynx have two games to fix the problems that could cost them a WNBA title.
They need one victory to clinch the No. 1 seed, which would be an epic accomplishment for a team that lacks size and depth, and that has become dependent on a rookie point guard.
That which makes this team endearing – the ability to overachieve – also makes the Lynx more of a longshot than most No. 1 seeds.
They have excelled during the regular season because of coaching, cohesiveness, veterans’ generosity toward Olivia Miles, offensive flow and mental toughness.
To win in the postseason, they’ll need to fix or mitigate these worrisome flaws:
-Defense. They have a number of quality defenders but have allowed 84 points per game in their last three outings. They’ve also lost three of their last four games.
-Depth. They are using forward Natasha Howard in the post. She’s had a wonderful season. In the playoffs, opponents will try to get her into foul trouble, knowing she will have trouble defending true centers, and that the best player behind her on the depth chart is Dorka Juhasz, a promising player who has been wildly inconsistent this season.
Cheryl Reeve has no idea what she’ll get when she goes to her bench. Foul trouble or injuries would devastate this team.
-Rookie mystery: Miles would be my pick for league MVP. She has been the best and most important player on the league’s best team. How will she handle playoff game plans designed to make her uncomfortable offensively, and to get her in foul trouble on the defensive end? Look for playoff opponents to hassle her all over the court the way the Liberty recently did.
This has been a brilliant season for the Lynx. Now they have to prove they’re built for a playoff run.
-The hot listen: Mike Grimm’s Go Gopher podcast features Tanner Morgan and insights into the football program.
-Daily thought: I keep hearing athletes and coaches compliment teammates by saying they’re “Dogs.’’ Judging by my dogs, does this mean they whine for treats and sleep 20 hours a day? I’m confused.
-Want to advertise with TalkNorth.com? Contact VP of business development Tami Henderson at THenderson@talknorth.com