Maya Moore has become the face of the Lynx. Tamika Catchings for years has been the backbone of the Fever. Moore's impact can largely be ascertained by her numbers. Maybe you have to start compiling intangibles to get Catchings' true impact. One thing is certain: Both players have great admirers in the coach who will oppose them Wednesday. "It's the intangibles," Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve said of Catchings. "It's real, and it's organic." Moore? Maya reminds me of Tamika," Fever coach Stephanie White said. "In the way she plays — hard. She refuses to lose. She plays with a passion and a hunger that is Tamika Catchings-like. … She's baby Tamika." Here is a look at the two heading into Wednesday's game: Kent Youngblood
Maya Moore, Tamika Catchings lead their teams into Game 5
Maya Moore and Tamika Catchings have a burning passion to win
Maya Moore
Age: 26
Height, weight: 6-0, 177
Season: Fifth
Rookie of the year: 2011
Titles won: Two, as part of the Lynx championships in 2011 and 2013.
Finals MVP: 2013, averaging 20 points, 6 rebounds and 2.3 assists in a three-game sweep of Atlanta.
League MVP: 2014, averaging 23.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.8 steals.
Career playoff avg: 38 games, 19.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.7 steals.
Olympic Gold: '12
Tamika Catchings
Age: 36
Height, weight: 6-1, 167
Season: 14th
Rookie of the year: 2002
Titles won: 2012 Fever team that beat the Lynx in the finals.
Finals MVP: 2012, averaging 22.3 points, 6 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2 steals.
League MVP: 2011, averaging 15.5 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 2 steals.
Career playoff avg: 65 games, 16.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 2.2 steals.
Olympic Gold: '04, '08, '12.
about the writer
Don’t be surprised if you spot the WNBA standout jamming at Twin Cities concerts.