Minneapolis, MN – Lindsay Whalen netted a game-high 20 points and handed out six assists as the Minnesota Lynx knocked off the Seattle Storm, 78-70, in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals at Target Center on Friday.
Seimone Augustus scored 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting and pulled down six rebounds, while Maya Moore poured in 16 points to go with seven rebounds and five assists for the top-seeded Lynx, who ended the regular season with a league-best 27-7 record. Rebekkah Brunson contributed a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
Shekinna Stricklen scored 13 points and ripped down seven boards, while Lauren Jackson and Katie Smith contributed 12 points apiece for the Storm, who grabbed the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with a 16-18 mark.
The defending champions shot 46.4 percent from the floor and led wire-to-wire -- by as many as 17 -- en route to the victory.
Seattle struggled all game, shooting just 39.7 percent from the floor and 7- of-24 from three-point range.
Game 2 of this best-of-three series is set for Sunday in Seattle.
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