Preview of Game 2 between Minnesota Lynx and Phoenix Mercury

On Sunday, the Phoenix Mercury became the Lynx's first opponent to reach 50% shooting this season, scoring 95 points and making 14 three-pointers – both highs allowed by Minnesota.

“We're happy with the win,” Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said after practice on Tuesday. “We also know that we're very proud of our defense, and last game it wasn't one of the best in the league. And we'll have to be that way next game.”

The Mercury turned 10 Lynx turnovers into 17 points. And Phoenix guard Natasha Cloud was electric, scoring 33 points and dishing out 10 assists. She made 14 of 23 shots, 5 of 7 from the basket, 5 of 8 from mid-range and 4 of 8 three-pointers. One of those missed shots at the basket came in the final seconds when she was blocked from behind by Lynx center Alanna Smith, leading to Bridget Carleton's game-winning three-pointer at the other end.

Cloud became the second player in league playoff history to record a double-double of points and assists while scoring at least 30 points.

The Lynx can't expect to be ahead in free throws 24-7. That was the stat from Game 1, and it made up for the fact that the Mercury shot better and made more threes.