Lynx continue to evolve into contenders

For those who might have missed these developments over the weekend, a Twin Cities team chasing a playoff spot added an intriguing player in the hopes of strengthening its roster for the critical games ahead. And a tenant of Target Center signed a Spanish basketball star who was among the top scorers at the 2008 Olympics.

This didn't involve the Twins, whose front office continues to dither as players beg for reinforcements. Nor did it happen with the Timberwolves, though David Kahn hinted that he has made some progress in getting Ricky Rubio to Minnesota. No, the Lynx were the local dealmakers last weekend, signing forward Anna Montañana the day after the WNBA's All-Star Game to bolster an improving team that is clawing for a playoff spot despite a million reasons to fold.

Jen Gillom's team finished the first half of the season 10-7, good for third place in the Western Conference heading into tonight's game against Los Angeles at Target Center. The Lynx already have reached milestones this summer; Nicky Anosike and Charde Houston gave them two All-Stars for the second time, and they have tied the franchise record for most victories at the 17-game mark.

They have stared down the terrible karma of Target Center and won, at least in the short term. No whining about losing Seimone Augustus for the season. No finger-pointing at a late coaching change. By refusing the invitation to the pity party, Gillom and her players have brought hope -- and some quality hoops -- to an arena starved for it.

"These girls play every night like nothing has happened," said Gillom, whose teaching skills and supportive manner have weighed heavily in the Lynx's revival. "They are unbelievable. They know how to put things to the side, to focus on doing their jobs to the best of their ability.

"Not only are they a smart team, they are a class act. I love coaching right now. I really love it. And it's because they make it fun."

The Lynx have long offered affordable family entertainment, appealing athletes who are easy to root for, a fun and upbeat atmosphere. But most years, they have come up light on the first-rate basketball they need to widen their fan base.

Only twice have they finished above .500, going 18-16 in 2003 and 2004, followed by quick exits in their only playoff appearances. And for most of their existence, they have revolved around singular talents -- Katie Smith through 2005, Augustus since 2006 -- with no supporting casts.

Good draft picks in the past two years gave Augustus something to work with, until the inevitable First Avenue hex worked its black magic. Coach Don Zierden quit four days before the season opener. Augustus tore her ACL in the season's sixth game. Gillom and her players kept their cool, and their collective effort has led them to the WNBA's fourth-best record at the halfway point.

"We're a young team, but we've had to grow up in a hurry," Anosike said. "We had to become women in a matter of two months. But the adversity has given us a toughness a lot of teams don't have."

Though the Lynx can be maddeningly inconsistent, their resiliency has allowed them to avoid slumps. The front office has continued to tinker with the roster, signing center Tasha Humphrey two weeks ago to add scoring depth and adding Montañana for her rebounding, toughness and experience at small forward.

The players aren't sitting still, either. Gillom likes the improvement she's seen in rebounding, defense and offensive execution in the past few games, and she applauded her team for its willingness to listen and adjust.

The Lynx met Gillom's goal of 10 victories by the All-Star break. The next goal: 10 more, which would tie the franchise record and should put them into the playoffs for the first time since 2004. To get there, the Lynx must play better at home, where they are 5-4, and continue to squeeze the best out of a tight 10-player roster.

But for once, the light coming out of Target Center looks more like a beacon than an oncoming train. "All these obstacles are definitely preparing us for the playoffs," Gillom said. "We've gone through some growing pains, and we are continuing to grow. When you've overcome all the things we have, why can't you get to the playoffs? I think they're ready to go."

Rachel Blount • rblount@startribune.com