Lynx hold off determined Mystics, 93-83

Minneapolis – The Minnesota Lynx pulled away in the fourth quarter from an upset-minded Washington Mystics, 93-83, Thursday to take a 2-0 series lead in the WNBA playoff semifinals.

Sylvia Fowles, who was crowned regular-season MVP before the game, led the Lynx with 25 points, while Maya Moore added 22 and Seimone Augustus, 15.

After a neck-and-neck match up most of the way, the Mystics led by two points with 4:45 remaining. Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve then inserted point guard Lindsay Whalen, who missed a month of play with a broken hand, back into the lineup. Whalen ignited a 20-8 run to send the Lynx past their opponents in front of a sold-out crowd.

Elena Delle Donne and Kristi Toliver each scored 25 points for Washington.

The two teams face off in game three Sunday on the Mystics home court.

Photo by Brian Few Jr./T.G.Sportstv1.

Photo by Brian Few Jr./T.G.Sportstv1.

Sylvia Fowles battles after securing the rebound. Photo by Brian Few Jr./T.G.Sportstv1.

Elena Delle Donne goes up hard to score. Photo by Brian Few Jr./T.G.Sportstv1.

Maya Moore goes up to block Kristi Toliver’s shot. Photo by Brian Few Jr./T.G.Sportstv1.

Sylvia Fowles was presented the regular-season MVP trophy prior to Thursday’s semifinal game against the Washington Mystics. Photo by Brian Few Jr./T.G.Sportstv1.