Lynx '14: One More Run?

Augustus in 2007 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Minnesota Lynx have been to the WNBA championship finals for three consecutive years, winning titles in 2011 and '13.  Not this year.

The Lynx dropped two out of three to the Phoenix Mercury in the WNBA Western Conference finals.  Both of these teams had the best records in the league this past season, but the Mercury had a slightly better year.  They will now face the Chicago Sky for the WNBA championship.

With the relatively brief women's pro basketball season in North America, the key to success seems to be having your team play well and be as healthy as possible.  That's what happened with Phoenix and its stars Diana Taurasi and Britney Griner.  The Lynx did not have that luxury, with Seimone Augustus (among others) sitting out at various times during the season because of injuries.

It also helps if you play well enough to take care of your opponents early and often.  The Lynx were 25-9 during the regular season, but some of their wins and losses came after slow starts--something they couldn't have afforded to do if they wanted to win another trophy.

Maya Moore had another season worthy of being the WNBA's most valuable player, which is why she won that this year.  Moore will be a star in this league for years to come, but what about some of her Lynx teammates?  Mother Time is ticking for Augustus, Lindsay Whalen and Janel McCarville, who are nearing the end of their careers.

According to media reports, coach Cheryl Reeve's squad seems to believe they have at least one more shot at a WNBA title and do not need to make many changes to make it happen.

So 2015 will be a crucial year for the Lynx.  Not only will they once again be favored to contend again, but the competition will be a lot fresher and better.  In short, the window is closing and it's time to prove they've still got it.