Maya Moore will play tonight. But fans who attend tonight's Lynx-New York game at 6 p.m. at Target Center will see the price Moore paid for getting in the way of teammate Sylvia Fowles' elbow Friday night.
Despite swelling and a black eye, Maya Moore will play tonight
Eastern Conference-leading New York provides a tough test
September 6, 2015 at 5:53PM
It happened with about three minutes left in the third quarter of Minnesota's victory over Indiana. Devereaux Peters was called for a foul while trying to block a shot. Moore and Fowles were both going for the errant shot when they collided and Moore's nose got the worst of it.
There was a significant gash on the right side of Moore's nose, though she said at Sunday's shootaround that she did not get stitches. But there was also swelling and Moore was sporting a black eye.
The good news, of course, is that Moore doesn't have a concussion and was told by doctors she doesn't' have to wear a mask.
"It's not as bad as it could have been," Moore said. "I'm ready to go, locked in on New York, a good team we want to beat at home. So that's where my mind is right now.''
It was a loss at New York August 28 that the Lynx say was a turning point for the team. Since then, in consecutive victories over Phoenix and Indiana – both playoff teams – the Lynx have executed well on offense and played some very good defense. Today's game will another test to see how much the Lynx have been able to improve, even without Seimone Augustus (mid-foot sprain) and Lindsay Whalen (bursitis in her ankle and a sore Achilles tendon). New York comes in with the best record in the WNBA, a half-game ahead of the Lynx.
"We have to be more determined to stop their roll early," Moore said. "Taking care of the ball is important, for sure. We had some turnovers that led to some fast break points for them. Offensively, I think we're better, we're more aware of our roles, what we're good at together. We're just a step better, we're more connected than we were in that game. Hopefully we can continue to be the team we've been since that (Aug. 28) game.''
I'll get back to you after the game.
The center, part of two WNBA champions in Minnesota, will become the eighth player from the franchise to be inducted.
