Countdown to the playoffs: Minnesota clinches its first playoff berth since 2004
On a day with four games on the slate, the WNBA had its first team qualify for the 2011 playoffs, the Minnesota Lynx.
At 20-6, Minnesota has the best record in the league, two games up on Indiana and are first in the West, 4.5 games up on Phoenix.
The Lynx’s record give them home court advantage throughout the playoffs. Minnesota had already set a new single-season franchise records for wins in a season (20) and road wins (9). Saturday’s win tied their franchise record for 11 victories at home.
Saturday night recaps
Chicago Sky (12-14) 71, Washington Mystics(5-19) 70
The Sky pulled out a win after a controversial call in the last seconds. Matee Ajavon fouled Epiphanny Prince to send the Chicago guard to the line with just seconds left in the game after officials reviewed the contact. Prince made 2 of 3 her free throws and Chicago prevailed.
Minnesota Lynx 87 (20-6), Los Angeles Sparks 68 (10-15)
The Lynx defeated the visiting Sparks to clinch their first playoff berth since 2004. Seimone Augustus led her team with 17 points and Candice Wiggins scored 13 including four treys.
Seattle Storm 63, New York Liberty 62
Lauren Jackson returned to action after missing several weeks due to a hip injury. She had 20 points in just 21 minutes in the win over the visiting Liberty. Sue Bird scored 14 points for Seattle and teammate Camille Little added 11.
Phoenix Mercury 87, San Antonio Silver Stars 81
With Diana Taurasi out of action due to back spasms, Penny Taylor rose to the task of leading her team to defeat a feisty San Antonio who is still without the services of star rookie Danielle Adams. Taylor put up 16 of her 28 points in the fourth quarter. Candice Dupree added 20 points and 10 rebounds for Phoenix and DeWanna Bonner had 13 points.
Sunday’s Games
- Atlanta at Connecticut, 5:00 p.m. ET, Live Access
- Washington at Indiana, 6:00 p.m. ET, FSI,NBA TV/Live Access
- Los Angeles at Tulsa, 7:00 p.m. ET, Live Access
