He covered the declining years of Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics for the Portland (Maine) Press Herald, and the rise of the latest Yankee dynasty for the Newark (N.J.) Star Ledger.
But one play from the third quarter of Minnesota's 93-83 victory Thursday over Washington -- a win that put the Lynx up 2-0 the best-of-five semifinals -- tells you all you need to know about Whalen's value to the three-time WNBA champions.
But with the Lynx struggling and trailing by four in the third quarter, Whalen -- back at Williams Arena, where she starred for the University of Minnesota -- turned a negative play into a backbreaker.
She made an over-the-shoulder catch of a wayward pass at the sideline near the Washington bench, then fed Maya Moore for a 3-pointer that tied the score and started an 11-3 run that put the Lynx ahead, 69-64.
With Fowles becoming the primary scoring option, Whalen was content with playing limited minutes, running the offense and keeping things moving.
- Lynx take control in fourth quarter, defeat Washington 93-83 in Game 2Minneapolis Star Tribune
- Mystics start fast but can't hold off Lynx, fall into 0-2 hole in WNBA semisWashington Post
- Fowles, Moore Lead Lynx Past Mystics 93-83 For 2-0 Series LeadCBS Minnesota / WCCO
- Lynx take 2-0 lead in WNBA semifinalsDuluth News Tribune
- Sylvia Fowles WNBA MVP; Tina Charles Finishes SecondHartford Courant
- Lynx Drop $1M To Cool Williams Arena During PlayoffsCBS Minnesota / WCCO
- Thursday's Sports in BriefWTOP
- Lindsay Whalen and Maya Moore lead fourth-quarter surgeMinneapolis Star Tribune
- WNBA Playoff CapsulesCharlotte Observer
