Lynx down Silver Stars for 1st playoff series victory

Minneapolis, MN – Seimone Augustus scored 22 points and added 67, in Game 3 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

It was the first-ever playoff series victory for the Lynx as they move on to face the Phoenix Mercury in the Western Conference Finals with Game 1 set for Thursday in Minnesota.

Taj McWilliams-Franklin had 16 points, Rebekkah Brunson added 15 points and nine boards, while Maya Moore totaled 14 points and six rebounds for the Lynx, who have home-court advantage throughout the playoffs thanks to a 27-7 regular season.

Sophia Young had 17 points while Becky Hammon added 15 points and five assists for the Silver Stars, who finished fourth in the Western Conference with a mark of 18-16.

After a close first period that saw the Silver Stars take a 19-18 edge, the Lynx exploded in the second quarter with a 17-0 run that saw the team take a 35-22 lead.

The halftime break saw the Lynx holding a 44-36 lead, and they made it 66-56 after 30 minutes.

The Silver Stars, who turned the ball over 17 times, never threatened in the final quarter.