FANTASTIC FRONT OFFICE:

When Sylvia Fowles arrived in Minnesota and the Lynx announced she would be holding a press conference, I headed right down to Mayo Clinic Square.  It was clearly one of those moments in Lynx history where you didn’t want to just read the press conference clippings, I needed  to see it to believe it. So I arrived at the press conference and took a front row seat between media members Jeffrey Williams and Charles Hallman. When Roger Griffith, Lynx General Manager and CEO walked out with Sylvia I had this big smile on my face.  Roger later gave me a hard time about that big silly smile.  He asked me were you there as a fan or as media member?  I have to admit it was a bit of both.  I was simply impressed that a deal of this magnitude was getting done in midseason and although there is no doubt we gave up some talented players, I believe the Lynx got the best of the 3 way trade.  So yes, after all of these years of either working for the team or     covering the team from the very beginning, even I can get a little giddy when a    blockbuster trade goes down.

THE CENTER OF ATTENTION:

I talked with Lynx assistant coach Jim Petersen right after Fowles arrived in    Minnesota.  He was thrilled that the 6’6” veteran Olympian center was really open to being coached. She is very much interested in improving her game and    learning new techniques. Fowles is shooting 57% from the field but JIm Pete   believes that she could easily be shooting 65% if she is more consistent with her shots right around the basket.  The opportunity to coach such a well-respected                  accomplished player is going to be fun for Jim who has done a terrific job with the Lynx post players.  Jim had nothing but positive words for his new student,      saying “Sylvia Fowles reputation is that she is an unbelievable human being who is not just only talented but a very coachable unbelievable type of player who fits right into our power structure, leadership and our team.”  In her first four games Fowles is averaging 12.5 ppg, and 5.5 rpg.  Not bad considering she hasn’t played all season and is still learning the Lynx system.

THEY’RE BACK:

We all knew that it would happen eventually.  The LA Sparks, who have been limping through their season without their stud Candace Parker, are back in the mix again in a big way. They have gone 3-1 since her return and are currently   sitting in the 4th playoff spot in the West. Parker looks like her time away from hoops has paid off.  Parker is doing all of the things that a rested superstar should do in scoring and rebounding the ball at a clip of 19.5 rpg, 10 ppg.  She is also being very generous to her teammates and getting them the ball with 5.8 apg.  It hasn’t just been Parker, the Sparks are fully loaded now. Alana Beard has looked fantastic with her quick release and her ability to push the ball.  The Sparks dismantled the Lynx 83-61 in Staples Center.  The Lynx threw the ball away an uncharacteristic 15 times which turned into 21 points for the Sparks.      LA, started off the third quarter on a 17-7 run and owned the inside with 54 points in the paint.  This should be enough to fuel the Lynx when the two teams meet back up again at Target Center on August 9.  Be sure to tune into that battle, it  is sure to be a good one. Marney and I will have the call on FSN or come on down to Target Center and let your voice be heard!

LEA LIKES:

• Maya Moore – Western Conference Player of the Week.