Lynx Are a Nightmare for Dream, Win Big 110-78

The Lynx have been in several games this year where each half has been a story of it's own. This one was no different against the Atlanta Dream.

In the first half, the teams combined for 32 fouls and 45 free throws taken. It was a painfully long half to watch, as there seemed to be a whistle every other play. The Dream took 27 free throws of their own in the first two frames and the previous game-high that the Lynx allowed was 29.

In the second half, the Lynx made quick work of things while scoring 32 points in each quarter to romp past the Dream 110-78. It was refreshing to watch after another slow start for Minnesota.

The Lynx, who started 0-10 in their last game against Phoenix, weren't much better tonight. They made only two of their first 10 shots and the starters were picking up fouls early. Natasha Howard kept the Lynx in it in the first half as she had 11 points and 3 blocks at half. She could have had more as she missed some easy ones but without her the Lynx could have been trailing at half, instead of one point to the good.

After a 7-2 run in the third quarter by Atlanta to take the lead, the Lynx went off. The team remained more disciplined on defense in the second half, which allowed them to get into a rhythm. After going down 52-51, the Lynx ended the game on a 59-26 run. Their defense was stifling, which fueled their transition game that led to a 64 point half. A big factor was forcing 19 Dream turovers, which led to 32 Lynx points. They also had one of their better three point shooting games of the year, making 8 of 18

Jia Perkins filled in nicely for Seimone Augustus who did not play due to the concussion she suffered against the Mercury. Although Perkins had no points at half, she ended with 18, as she was one of the players who sparked the demolition in the second half of the game. Renee Montgomery also had a strong game with 13 points and five assists and a +23, as the back up guards continue to play well for Minnesota.

Maya Moore ended the game at a plus-25 and she had 19 points and four steals. Late in the third, Moore scored on a beautiful finger-roll on the fast break. She wasn't done, as she then stole the inbound and made a silky move to score and get fouled. She made the free throw to score five points in about two seconds.

Lindsay Whalen had a season-high 17 points after not scoring a single point in the last game; the last time Whalen scored 0 points was all the way back in 2011. Howard ended the game with 13 points and five blocks. Renee Montgomery also chipped in 13 points from the bench, which scored a total of 33 for the game.

Sylvia Fowles had another double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Tiffany Hayes for the Dream had a scary moment where she bent over backwards when Howard got tangled under her. It did not look good for her knees. She left for the locker room but ended up returning to the game.

The Lynx have their first back-to-back of the season as they play at the Washington Mystics tomorrow.

Check out this dish from Renee to Jia: