Seimone's Return to Practice
Jun 8 2010 5:35PM
Menzie Henderson
Lynx Writer
After a disappointing start to the season, there is no question that Minnesota needs help and needs it now.
No easier way to improve the team than welcoming back All-Star perennial forward Seimone Augustus as she joined the team in full practice today for the first time this season.
"Our players are really happy for her to begin her comeback and from a coaching perspective its very nice to have a player back that can score the ball like she can," coach Cheryl Reeve said.
The Lynx have struggled throughout the season, especially on the offensive end. In Minnesota's previous game the Lynx shot a dismal 20 percent from the floor while managing only 51 points. A player of Seimone's caliber who has a 21 points per game career average, could definitely help fill the offensive scoring voids.
"Obviously we've had problems putting the ball in the hole," Reeve said. "We have had a bad combination of not being that good defensively, while also having the worst field goal percentage in the league. We're looking to improve those things and having our best players on the court would really help in those areas."
Despite coming off what seemed to be a detrimental loss, the Lynx looked focused and confident in the practice today with spirits high.
"We had a long discussion after the last loss on Sunday," Augustus said. "I think everyone is on the same page knowing that we can do better and we have a lot of things that we need to prove to ourselves, our fans, and this organization that we are a better team and we are that playoff team that everyone was talking about at the beginning of the season."
Augustus will play in her first game in over a year as the Lynx will take on the defending champions of the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night. Augustus explained that getting back to her career averages is definitely not what is important at this time.
"I just want to have fun and win, while enjoying basketball again and enjoying being out there with my teammates," Augustus said.
Minnesota faces a tough upcoming road trip as they face Diana Taurasi of Phoenix on Thursday and Candice Parker of Los Angeles on Sunday.
"Every game is a test for us, but this game is kind of a start to a new team, I think," Wiggins said. "And what better way to see what we've got with a long road trip starting with the defending champions of Phoenix and finishing in L.A."
Tipoff is set for 9 PM on Thursday in Phoenix.