Lynking Up with Linda. Once again, Mystics GM Linda Hargrove was kind enough to answer a few of the BasketCases' "chalk talk" questions about the Mystics game in Charlotte and about Saturday's upcoming home game against the Lynx. Here's what Linda had to say:

BC: For the benefit of those of us who followed the game on radio, can you give us a little eyewitness insight into what went wrong in Charlotte?

LH: "We started off really strong and Charlotte kept their composure and came back with a strong offensive showing. The fouls and turnovers made it really difficult to get into any kind of flow. The subs did a great job of keeping us in the game when AB and D were out with foul trouble but key turnovers and made shots for the Sting kept us from pulling out the win. Poor execution in the late game was troubling and I hope that we learned a lot about the value of a possession. The good thing is that we don't have long to think about the poor showing, the bad thing is that we play another really strong team that hasn't won a game yet."

BC: The Lynx are another 0-2 team who've played close games with two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. What do the Mystics need to do to avoid another upset?

LH: "We have to play a smart game and execute the game plan. Minnesota has two very big and strong posts in Ohlde and Hayden and one of the brightest new stars in Augustus. We need to play better position defense and not get ourselves in foul trouble and do a better job of taking care of the ball."

BC: Can you talk a little about Seimone Augustus and how she affects the Mystics game plan?

LH: "I love Seimone's game. We must not give her a lot of open looks and be physical with her. We must also box her out and basically try to make her uncomfortable on the floor. She can really score in a variety of ways and we need to have whoever she guards attack her and try to get her into foul trouble."

BC: And since the BasketCases is the most widely read Mystics blog in Latvia, we were wondering if you could share with our readers what you expect to see from Zane Teilane this season?

LH: "I expect Zane to work hard in practice each day, get stronger and give us a look in practice that we couldn't see if she weren't on our team. She is very smart and is picking things up quickly. She runs the floor great, is very skilled and can block shots, but I don't see her contributing in any huge way this season, at least during the games. But she has to be ready should we have an injury to any of our post players. She has been a really nice addition to the Mystics."

Thanks again to Linda Hargrove for sharing her thoughts on these games!