The Lynx are 10-2 and riding an eight-game win streak, but Cheryl Reeve keeps the focus on the next game and the defense she says drives Minnesota's success.
MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Lynx have won eight in a row and become the first WNBA team to 10 victories. Head coach Cheryl Reeve is not interested in dwelling on any of it.
"It's really simple. We only worry about how we're going to win the next game," Reeve said after Tuesday's 100-76 win over the Dallas Wings. "After the Seattle game, we told the team that Dallas was the biggest game of the year because it was the next game."
Reeve took the approach to its logical end when asked how the staff processes the run. The clear focus is on ensuring they stay focused on the process and trust that the results will come.
"That's the way our staff thinks. We're already focused on the next one," she said. "Honestly, there are plenty of times when I don't even know what our record is, and that's true. It doesn't matter. We're only about 25 percent through the season and we still have a lot of work to do."
The Lynx (10-2) dominated with a strong game. Olivia Miles scored 24 points; Kayla McBride and Natasha Howard scored over 20. Minnesota shot 72% in the first half, leading 58-38 at halftime, controlling the game and preventing Dallas from challenging. Reeve praised their defense for holding the Wings to 36%.
"It's a really easy answer because that allows you to shoot the way we did at the other end," Reeve said. "I thought defensively we were really locked in. We were tough to play against and disruptive. Our defense is why we're in a position to be successful every night."
Minnesota outscored Dallas 46-26 in the paint, an area Reeve said has driven the team.
"We defend the paint really well," she said. "The bigger thing for us was holding them to 26 paint points because that's been a major factor in our defensive success."
The victory has brought bigger crowds to Target Center, with Tuesday's game selling out, and Reeve perceives a change.
"It's an exciting time for the sport. Specifically, our fans are creating something special," Reeve said. "There's an awareness around this team. People are talking about us, they're talking about the rookie, and you can feel that excitement."
Even so, she was unmoved by the streak.
"We still have a lot of work to do," Reeve said. "That's where our focus remains."
Minnesota plays at Las Vegas on Saturday.
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