2011 WNBA Playoffs: Minnesota Lynx Sweep Phoenix Mercury, Headed to Finals

There's no doubt about it: the Lynx are the most successful athletes in Minnesota.

Following yet another disappointing Vikings loss, the Lynx faced the Mercury for Game 2 of the Conference Championship and swept the series with a final score of 103 to Phoenix's 86. Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus led the pack with 21 points apiece, and four other ladies also tallied double-digit points.

"It's like you sit down to a great dinner [...] You feel great but you still want that dessert, and you want it to be the best dessert ever—that's how I feel. I'm satisfied because I am full from that main meal, but I'm waiting on that fabulous dessert. The finals is going to be that dessert for me.''

These were the words of Taj McWilliams-Franklin following Sunday's victory. The 41-year-old center looked anything but old when she finished with 21 points, six rebounds and seven assists.

Said head coach Cheryl Reeve, "[Taj is] just so smart. She plays the angles and knows exactly what's happening. There isn't anything she hasn't seen after all these years.''

Although Minnesota rolled over its opponent in Game 1, the Mercury gave the midwest ball club a run for its money—despite what the score may show. Phoenix shot an impressive 93 percent from the charity stripe, and two members of the roster—Dewanna Bonner and Diana Taurasi—logged 22 points.

Phoenix even held the lead for awhile in the third quarter.

"We had a great sense of urgency,'' Moore said. "I think that there were a few moments there where we needed to pick it up and we kind of lost our edge because Phoenix had their backs against the wall.'' Minnesota lit up the court during the final period, pulled up any slack, and held a 17-point lead at the buzzer.

The ladies now await the results of Atlanta-Indiana series that will culminate Tuesday evening. Game 1 of the WNBA Finals will be played in the Target Center, as Minnesota held the best regular season record. This will be the franchise's first visit to the WNBA finals.