Lynx Run Past Sparks - Go 3 - 0

The following story is by Mike Peden

The Minnesota Lynx made their biggest statement in the early going of the season against the Los Angeles Sparks tonight at Target Center.

7,444 fans watched the Lynx beat the Sparks 87-76 and improve to 3-0, fueled by 30 points from Seimone Augustus. Augustus was one of four players to score double-digits for the Lynx.

Former Lynx Betty Lennox kept the game close throughout the first half, scoring 12 of her 23 points in the first twenty minutes.

The Lynx then got some help from the defending Western Conference champions as veteran Lisa Leslie fouled out with 52 seconds left in the third quarter.

The teams traded leads until late in the third, when the Lynx made a 16-3 run to end the quarter and pull away for good.

The Lynx were not so pleased. Starting center Nicky Anosike said the Lynx should have won by 20, referring to their free throw shooting for the game.

The Lynx made just 11 free throws out of 23 tries.

The 3-0 start bears some similarities to last year's team, who won their first five game before missing the playoffs with a 16-18 record.

Second-year player Candace Wiggins said finishing should not be a problem this year. Wiggins, who scored 17 points in the Lynx's win, said the players on the Lynx from last year's team better understand playing through a full season and not getting complacent with winning a few games.

The Sparks also had a few words for the Lynx. Lennox said the Lynx roster is a young and talented team, but the Sparks are still learning how to play with each other.

The Sparks and Lynx will not see each other again until July 28th, which will also be the first time this year's Lynx play against last year's MVP Candace Parker. Parker remains on maternity leave.

The Lynx's next game is Friday against the Seattle Storm at Target Center. Tip-off is 7:00 p.m.