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The time for the 2012 WNBA Finals is NOW -
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Game 1: Sunday, October 14 | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN2 Game 2: Wednesday, Oct. 17 | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN
Game 5 (If necessary): Wednesday, Oct. 24 | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN |
Game 3: Friday, Oct. 19 | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN 2 Game 4 (if necessary): Sunday, Oct. 21 | 8 p.m. ET | ESPN 2
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How they got here:
Minnesota went through the Storm, winning a close 2-1 series and then swept the Sparks 2-0 to reign victorious in the West - again. The Lynx have been the prohibitive favorite from the get-go, and they're poised to show everyone why.
For the Fever the road traveled included a pair of 2-1 series wins, first over the Dream and then against the Sun. While it would be hard to say Indiana has a road-court advantage, particularly at the Target Center, the Fever certainly know how to grind outside of their friendly confines of Banker's Life Fieldhouse as they've taken roadies in both playoff series' thus far.
How they fared in 2012:
The Lynx and Fever faced off twice in the regular season, with Minnesota notching wins in both contests. Indiana put up stiff competition, however, taking their first contest down to the wire in the 66-64 affair on Sept. 14. Lindsay Whalen banked in a fadeaway with 1.6 seconds to play to seal the victory. In case you missed it, watch the highlights!
Three days later in Minnesota, the Lynx again bested the Fever, this time with a final score of 86-79. Maya Moore was hot from downtown, hitting six threes and finishing with 29 points.
Catch to the rescue:
To make it to the finals for all-star Tamika Catchings has been quite a feat in this her 12th season. She basically had to carry the team to the win in the deciding game against the Sun after an injury to fellow team leader Katie Douglas. With Douglas' health in question heading into the finals, Catch will have to continue to do what she always does if she wants to pull off the upset for her first ring - shine.
The Big Three:
For some Lynx teammies, winning shiny gold things is second nature in 2012. After grabbing the gold medal in London, the trio of Seimone Augustus, Whalen and Moore are ready to earn another bauble for their burgeoning collection in the form of their second WNBA championship in as many years. Unlike some other teams that have Big Three combos, these women aren't going at it alone. The rest of the Lynx's balanced roster doesn't have to just rely on a few to get results.