MINNEAPOLIS – In Game 1 of WNBA Finals 2015 presented by Boost Mobile, Indiana guard Briann January dealt several devastating blows to the Lynx at key times that helped the Fever figuratively draw first blood in the series on Sunday.

On Monday, the 5-foot-8 point guard showed up to practice with a pronounced cut on her left cheek, a mark that embodied her toughness in the Fever’s 75-69 win in Game 1.

“It’s a battle wound,” said January, who suffered the cut late in the fourth quarter. “That’s what the Playoffs are all about. Everyone is leaving everything they have out on the court. It’s going to be physical. It’s going to be a brawl.”

The physicality of Game 1 is nothing new for January, a superb athlete that is also a black belt in karate. Despite that type of training, however, January says an abrasion like this is uncommon.

“I’ve definitely suffered a few bumps and bruises from doing karate and even playing basketball,” she said. “But this is one of the more obvious wounds I’ve suffered.”

Toughness has been a hallmark for Indiana, and January went on to add that the pain went away after securing the win. Winning, they say, can heal all wounds.

Where in other sports, most notably hockey, athletes will change their appearance during a postseason run — think playoff beards — January’s cut may serve as her own version of a rallying call.

“Our trainer worked with a hockey team for a while and he said ‘that’s a badge of honor’. I’m wearing it,” she continued. “Just a little reminder to stay on edge, keep a little chip on my shoulder and go out there and take care of business.”

Round 2 of WNBA Finals 2015 presented by Boost Mobile is Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN 2.