Related: Results-oriented Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve taking the team to new heights

Cheryl Reeve isn't the only reason the Lynx are as good as they are. Five of their 11 players — Seimone Augustus, Rebekkah Brunson, Maya Moore, Lindsay Whalen and Candice Wiggins — are members of the U.S. National Team. The Lynx lead the WNBA in rebounding, rank second in scoring, and have won a league-best 13 games by 10 points or more.

The 23-6 Lynx own the WNBA's best record and for the first time have become top seed in the Western Conference. The Lynx haven't made the playoffs since 2004, also their last winning season (18-16), and own one postseason victory in their 14-year history, over Los Angeles in 2003.

The playoffs begin with best-of-three conference semifinals on Sept. 15. Conference finals are also best-of-three. The WNBA Championship, a best-of-five series, starts Oct. 2.

Some key Lynx players to watch as the playoffs get closer:

LINDSAY WHALEN: The Lynx are pushing the Hutchinson, Minn., native and University of Minnesota product as an MVP candidate, because she leads the league in assists and is averaging career highs in scoring and field goal percentage. No WNBA point guard is having a better season.

REBEKKAH BRUNSON: The 6-2 forward had been leading the league in rebounding and field goal percentage until falling off recently. Is she worn out? That's something Reeve will have to monitor.

MAYA MOORE: The heralded 6-0 rookie from UConn has had her ups (19 points and 12 rebounds against San Antonio on Sunday) and downs (held scoreless by the same Silver Stars on 0-for-7 shooting August 4th). On a veteran team, her defense, rebounding and passing might be more important than her scoring.

CANDICE WIGGINS: The team's only pure scorer off the bench, the 5-11 guard could be a difference-maker with a big postseason.

Related: Results-oriented Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve taking the team to new heights