Lynx Hang on to Win in Overtime over Wings, 98-97

The bench was tense. The Dallas Wings had hit back-to-back threes in overtime to take a 97-94 lead with 1:21 to go. After the Lynx let a 15-point lead slip away in regulation, they were facing another collapse against a team they should have put away long ago.

The team didn't quit. They had four offensive rebounds on the following possession before Lindsay Whalen nailed two free throws. Then, Rebekkah Brunson came up with a steal on the defensive end and Minnesota came back down the floor with hope. Enter Seimone Augustus, who hit what would be the game-winner with 15.3 seconds to go. She got the ball down in the lane and took a few dribbles before sinking the turn-around jumper. On defense, the team stifled the Wings until Aerial Powers took a contested shot and missed. The Lynx had won it 98-97.

It was a much different game then the last time these two met. In that game, the Lynx went on a 40-4 run in the first half to put the game away early. The Wings scored only 56 points that game. They reached that mark early in the third quarter of this game as the first half showcased minimal defense.

The reason the Lynx were able to win this game was because of their rebounding, which they are a top-three team in the league in that category. Though, they are top-three in most categories. They won the battle of the boards 51-34. It helps having 6'6" center Sylvia Fowles. She had 14 points, 19 rebounds and four blocks in the game. It was good to see her dominating the competition again as she averaged just seven points and seven rebounds the last two games.

In total, the Lynx had six players in double-digit scoring. Maya Moore led the team in scoring at 20 points. She had six assists and five rebounds as well. Brunson had 16 points and 10 rebounds. Augustus ended with 14 points and is now a part of the 5,000 point club. Whalen had 15 points, five assists and four rebounds. Renee Montgomery came off the bench to chip in 11 points. It was a great team effort after letting a big lead slip away. Once Powers missed that final shot, you could see the relief and joy as the players celebrated.

The team now has two home games before the Olympic break starts. They take on the Atlanta Dream this Wednesday and wrap up with the Seattle Storm on Friday.