After a quick and impressive start, the Lynx sputtered to a 81-69 loss to the Sun before 9,471 in Minneapolis.

Although some of her shots did not fall, Seimone Augustus made a memorable debut scoring 21 points and showing a passion for the game that ignited the crowd. Augustus scored 10 points in a 14-7 run in the second quarter to tie the game at 39 going into the half. After building a lead in the third quarter, the Sun responded with a 13-2 run while Augustus was on the bench.

Suzie McConnell-Serio on the decisive run: "Maybe she sat a little too long in the second half. We were trying to rest her. ... I probably should have called a timeout earlier to get her back in the game."

For as many things as the Lynx did right, it was not enough to overcome the Sun and the play of Katie Douglas. The veteran, who also guarded Augustus most of the night, scored 13 of her career high 28 in the decisive fourth quarter. After the Lynx had pulled within two points with 2:49 remaining, Douglas hit two three pointers that sealed the victory. "(Douglas) was a difference maker,'' McConnell Serio said. "She was a back breaker.''

Mike Thibault thought his team's depth and experience were the difference. While Lindsay Whalen was warmly received and had a team high six assists, Erin Phillips showed why Thibault drafted her a year ago. The rookie scored 13 points and played the entire 4th quarter. (Note: Whalen's blog for The Day yesterday was dedicated to her return to her home state).

Nicole Ohlde accurately summarized the game for the Lynx. "There are some small things that we just didn't get done that hurt us in the end. We did some very good things, and we did them against a quality opponent.''

The young team has a quick turnaround as they travel to a game at Detroit tonight.