Minnesota Lynx secure victory in first game in playoffs

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - The playoffs tipped off Wednesday night for the Minnesota Lynx and the team has another championship squarely in their sights.

The Lynx took on the Phoenix Mercury at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, notching a 95-113 victory.

The Lynx are the best team in town with three championships in just five years - their fourth is just within reach.

"It better be the Lynx because they are the best team," said Janean Stein, a Lynx fan.

A 28-win regular season has fan expectations at an all-time high.

The semifinal matchup with the Mercury featured 11 Rio Olympians and some of the biggest names in women's basketball.

"That's why I wanted to come to see, Maya [Moore], Brittany Griner, Simone, [Diana] Taurasi, so I wanted to come see them all,” said Nagasha Jackson, a fan.

Since 2007, only three teams other than the Lynx and Mercury have won the WNBA title. The steady success of the Minnesota Lynx has helped build a committed and growing fan base

"This is our first season as season ticket holders. So it's just awesome to see," said Stein.

Fans hope to expose a new generation of fans to the one team in the twin cities that won't break your heart.

"It's like a family with them and you can see it on and off the court," said Jackson.