Lynx 90 (7-3) - Sun 67 (6-4)
PAUL CRARY
Lynx Writer
Box ScoreHow it Happened
Saturday’s game was a back-and-forth, fast-paced affair as both the Suns and the Lynx looked to push the ball up the court throughout the game. However, by tough interior defense and the hot shooting hand of Lynx rookie Maya Moore, the Lynx were able to pull away in the third quarter en route to a 90 to 67 victory over the Connecticut Sun in front of 8,205 at Target Center.
The Lynx broke the game open by going on a 12-0 run to close out the third quarter. The run gave the Lynx a comfortable 67-49 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Lynx also dominated the Sun on the defensive side of the ball as well as the Lynx held the Sun to just 6 points in the third quarter.
Maya Moore had a career high 26 points while Seimone Augustus poured in 20 points. The Lynx scored 40 points in the paint, while the Sun were held to just 22 points in the paint. Rebekkah Brunson continued to rack up the double-doubles as she finished with 12 points and 10 rebounds, giving her seven double-doubles on the year.
Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve was very pleased with her team’s performance. Here’s what coach Reeve said after being asked if this was her most complete game as the Lynx head coach.
“A complete game from start to finish. The third and fourth quarters were pretty good to us today. It was just as good as the thirty-point win in Tulsa on the road. We’ve played pretty well,” Reeve said.
With the win, the Lynx improve to 7-3 on the season. The Lynx are currently tied for first with San Antonio for first place in the Western Conference.
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Maya Moore has been under high expectations ever since she was selected number one overall in the 2011 WNBA Draft by the Lynx. The University of Connecticut star hasn’t played poorly by any means, she just hasn’t had that big breakout game- until tonight. Moore looked comfortable and confident as she displayed her full arsenal of offensive moves and abilities. Moore finished with a career and game high 26 points on the night. She connected on six three-pointers in just nine attempts. Moore used a variety of moves including pump fakes and her brute strength to create separation from her defenders. In typical Maya Moore fashion, she is always cognizant of the bigger picture and isn’t complacent with just one victory.
“This was one good game. It’s about putting together strings of good games. We’re not going to be satisfied with this. As easily as we win by a lot we can also lose games if we don’t come out focused with the same defensive effort,” Moore said.
Notable Performance
While it won’t show up in the box-score, Taj McWilliams-Franklin held Eastern Conference Player of the Month Tina Charles just six points on the night. Charles averages 19.8 points per game and seemed a little frustrated by the Taj’s veteran defense. Taj also finished with 10 rebounds, which catalyzed the Lynx’s fast break attack.
Highlight to Remember
Maya Moore had a lot of spectacular plays in Friday’s night game. One play that stood out happened late in the third quarter. As the shot clock was winding down, Moore took a dribble to her right behind the three-point line, absorbed contact from Sun guard Kara Lawson and faded away from the basket as she attempted the long three-pointer. The high-arching shot was a perfect swish and gave the Lynx a 61-49 lead. The play showed that Moore has the strength and ability to get her shot off in the most difficult of situations against the WNBA’s elite defenders.
The Numbers Game
After Friday’s win, the Lynx now lead the WNBA in defensive field goal percentage, allowing opponents to convert on only 39.7% of their shots. The Lynx pride themselves in defensive effort in practice and it’s starting to pay off in games. Minnesota uses communication and active hands on defense to make it difficult for their opponents to get off quality shot attempts.
Looking Ahead
The Lynx will take on the Phoenix Mercury in a Wednesday matinee game at 12 PM CDT. The Mercury are 7-4 on the season and will be eager to gain a game on the Lynx in the Western Conference playoff race.
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