Moore composure: Lynx’s star stays poised

New York, NY — Maya Moore earned her 29^th career double-double in Minnesota’s victory over the New York Liberty Thursday night. She tallied 16 points, 11 rebounds, plus dished out six assists.

“We played with great poise and we were able to open up the lead at the end,” said Moore.

Moore wasted no time in pursuit of another WNBA title as the Minnesota Lynx secured the win and now sit at 2-0.

Starting the game with her sisters in blue, Moore matched the Liberty’s scrappy play and aggression in the paint making incredible defensive and offensive rebounds. Although it took a minute to settle in to the roar of the Garden, it wasn’t long after when Moore started to get going and show she was there to win.

At the start of the second quarter, Moore was prepared to lead the Lynx to a win as she went right for the basket, unfortunately, she missed the layup. That miss did not end Moore’s efforts as less than a minute later she drilled a 14-foot jumper off of an assist from Lindsay Whalen.

Not only was Moore making her presence felt on the offensive end, defensively she played physical and aggressive. She relentlessly pursued numerous defensive rebounds and initiated Minnesota’s offense. In one possession, Moore went coast to coast off of crashing the boards and converting on the other end for a layup. Her drive and passion didn’t falter the rest of quarter.

Moore and the Minnesota defense stayed steady through the first half and their offense matched, looking sharper than their first game last week.

The first half concluded with the Lynx leading the Liberty, 43-40.

Minnesota came out ready to roar at the start of the third as Moore went right at the Liberty. Although she missed a 13-foot jumper, Moore’s next offensive possession she sunk a 16-foot jumper; she was ready to continue the battle.

Like she has been all her career, Thursday night Moore proved to be a force to be reckoned with as she added eight points to her total in the third. The Liberty could not find a way to stop Moore as she scored with pull-ups, triples, and drives to the basket.

Moore had complete control on the offensive end as she would attract a lot of the Liberty’s defensive attention. As she drew out New York’s players beyond the three-point line, she easily was able to find her cutting Lynx teammates not only in the halfcourt, but full court as well.

With teammates Seimone Augustus and Rebekkah Brunson filling the passing lanes, Moore was able to be the playmaker she was born to be. She made solid, crisp passes to put on a passing clinic for the Garden. By the end of the night, she had a game-high six assists. With her passing ability, Moore remained an impact, even late in the game when the Liberty tried to get back into the game.

“There was a lot of energy in the building today so I think once we put some stops together in the fourth quarter, we were able to defend the lead,” said Moore.

Moore’s composure on and off the ball played a key component in Minnesota’s offense and her vision of the court was unmatched. Her agility and physical nature helped her lead the Lynx with 16 points, 11 rebounds.

Moore and Minnesota will see the Dallas Wings at College Park Center, Saturday, May 20^th at 8:00 PM.