Stumbling Lynx pull starters vs. Fever but still clinch 1-seed with Valkyries' loss
The Lynx went into the second-to-last game of the season against the Fever with a chance to wrap up the No. 1 seed -- which they eventually did thanks to a Valkyries loss -- but coach Cheryl Reeve didn't play her normal starters in the second half.
The Minnesota Lynx securing the number one seed is a huge accomplishment, and it's clear that coach Cheryl Reeve is prioritizing the bigger picture over a single regular season game. By pulling her starters in the second half against the Fever, Reeve is showing that she's thinking about the long game, likely with the playoffs and a championship in mind. This move suggests that she feels confident in her team's ability to perform well even without their top players.
Reeve's decision also speaks to the depth of her roster and the team's overall strength. The Lynx have been one of the top teams in the league all season, and they've got a good amount of talent to draw from. By resting her starters, Reeve is giving her bench players a chance to get valuable experience and minutes, which could pay off in the playoffs. It's a luxury that not all teams have, and it's a testament to Reeve's coaching and roster management.
Looking ahead, all eyes will be on the Lynx as they head into the playoffs. With the number one seed locked up, they'll have home court advantage throughout the postseason, which could be a huge advantage. To watch next: how the Lynx's rested starters perform in the playoffs, and whether they can make a deep run and bring a championship to Minneapolis. The Valkyries' loss also adds an interesting wrinkle to the playoff picture - how will the seeding shake out, and which teams will the Lynx face in the postseason?
Originally reported by espn.com. CoachNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.