Taj McWilliams-Franklin

The Lynx lose Mama Taj but still will be tough to beat

To say the Minnesota Lynx have been to the extremes the last few years isn't an understatement.

They went from not making the playoffs in 2010 -- coach Cheryl Reeve's first year -- to winning the WNBA Championship the following season. Last year they faltered midway through the schedule, but picked it up and finished strong before stumbling in the championship series to the Indiana Fever.

2012 WNBA Finals Notebook

The Lynx have to be favored to make it two WNBA titles in a row -- but Indiana has championship fever

As most have predicted since before the season even began, the Minnesota Lynx are back in the WNBA Finals, bringing with them the best record in the league and poised to defend their 2011 title. If they succeed, they will be the first team to accomplish that feat since the Los Angeles Sparks took home back-to-back titles in 2001 and 2002.

Even President Obama calls her Mama Taj

When you mention the name “Mama Taj” to players and coaches in the WNBA, the immediate response is a big smile that reflects friendship, admiration and respect.  The smile is followed by statements like, “Ah yes, Mama Taj, she’s one of the best -- you gotta love her.”

Who's best in the WNBA: It's tough to argue with this surprising statistic

With the last days of the 2012 WNBA season as fascinating as sorting laundry, it’s a good time to take a look at one of the more interesting modern statistics: plus/minus.

The concept is simple. When a player is on the floor, how many points does her team score and give up, and when she’s off the floor, how many points does her team score and give up. That generates a net plus/minus, telling coaches and dedicated statheads who’s really helping her team win.

Second championship is Minnesota's for the taking.

How good are the Minnesota Lynx?

In 2011 their 27-7 record was the best in the league and they won the championship after going 7-1 in the playoffs.  The 2012 team returns 96.1% of their points, 93.6% of the rebounds, 95.1% of the assists and 93.9% of the minutes of that championship team.

How good are the Minnesota Lynx?

Three of their five starters are members of the 12 player US Olympic Team.  A fourth starter was among the final 9 players cut and their sixth player was invited to the initial tryouts.

How good are the Minnesota Lynx?