Maya Moore has been around awards all her life. She usually gets them for her accomplishments.
But Friday night, she appeared concerned about the WNBA championship trophy. She was the last Lynx speaker in the news conference following their 73-67 victory over Atlanta, which clinched the league title for them.
"Can I take this?" she asked, referring to the championship trophy sitting on the table on the dais. She couldn't. But a woman, probably somewhat associated with the league grabbed it.
Moore did her part to make sure the series ended in three games.
She had 15 points, on six for nine from the field, including two big three pointers, and made one of three free throws attempts. She also had seven rebounds -- only Rebekkha had more for the Lynx with nine -- two assists and one steal. The one negative stat, four turnovers.
The Lynx trailed 37-33 at the half.
"We just had to get stops," Moore said. "In the third quarter, we held them to nine [points]. ... That's who we are. I am just glad that we were able to finish playing Lynx basketball by being a good defensive team and stepping up and hitting our free throws at the end [in the fourth quarter]. Just staying together the whole game."
The Lynx outscored the host Dream 19-8 in the pivotal third quarter. Atlanta was four for 18 from the field and committed four turnovers which led to six Lynx points. The Lynx were nine for 18, or 50 percent, from the field. Big difference.