Reeve says rest drove decision to bench Lynx starters in loss to Fever
The short version
- Lynx lost 96-77 to the Fever on Tuesday
- Reeve benched her starters in the second half, citing rest before Sunday's playoff opener
- King had 12 points; Bibby scored 15 with five threes
- Minnesota still clinched the No. 1 seed after Golden State lost in overtime to Portland
The Minnesota coach pulled her first unit in the second half of Tuesday's 96-77 defeat, saying preserving legs for the playoffs mattered more than chasing a comeback.
Minnesota head coach Cheryl Reeve removed her starting five during the second half of Tuesday's 96-77 loss to the Indiana Fever, turning instead to a reserve group featuring Chloe Bibby, Dorka Juhasz, Aari McDonald and Liatu King.
Speaking afterward, in comments relayed by Sports Illustrated's Andrew Dukowitz, Reeve framed the move as a practical one with the playoffs opening Sunday. She said preserving her starters' energy made more sense than pursuing a result that was out of reach.
Reeve also praised the reserves, describing their effort as a bright spot in the defeat and singling out King for competing at a level she had hoped to see from others.
King posted 12 points, four rebounds and three steals, while Bibby paced the group with 15 points on five three-pointers. Olivia Miles sat out with a calf injury.
Indiana's victory kept the Fever in contention for home-court advantage in the opening round of the playoffs. Minnesota, despite the defeat, still locked up the No. 1 seed after Golden State fell to Portland 90-82 in overtime at Moda Center.