Minnesota Lynx Force a Game 5 in WNBA Finals
Maya Moore drops 31, Lynx force a game 5 (Jeff Wheeler/StarTribune)
Los Angeles, CA - In game three of the WNBA finals Maya Moore finished with nine points and sat most of the fourth quarter on the bench in a 92-75 loss to the Los Angeles Sparks. Going into game four the Lynx needed a win in order to force a decisive game five.
Moore scored 31 points and the Lynx defense held Candace Parker and 2016 MVP Nneka Ogwumike in check, forcing the pair to 9 of 24 shooting for only 24 points combined. The Lynx earned a 85-79 win on Sunday night and now the series shifts back to Minnesota for a winner take all game.
Sylvia Fowles made her presence in the paint known, scoring 10 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, including six offensive boards. Lindsay Whalen added 13 points with some momentum changing baskets throughout.
At the half, the Lynx held a 46-40 lead and knew they would have to withstand a run by the Sparks at some point in the contest. That run would come in the 3rd quarter when the Sparks would bring the deficit to two behind Chelsea Gray's performance off the bench. Gray scored a team high 20 points, hitting four three pointers and shooting 55% from the floor in game four.
In the fourth quarter Moore would take control, visibly asking for the ball and controlling the pace of the game, as Minnesota tried to hold on for the win. Whalen also played a vital role late, her back to back buckets gave the Lynx a 73-69 lead which they would not surrender the rest of the game.
The teams exchanged baskets and Minnesota led 79-77, Rebekkah Brunson earned a foul and made both free throws to give the Lynx a 81-77 lead. On the play it appeared Minnesota had not passed half court in eight seconds which should've given the Sparks the ball back down two. Unfortunately the officials did not call an 8-second violation even though replays show the shot clock at 16 and the Lynx still in the backcourt.
The WNBA acknowledge this mistake in a statement released
The Lynx would go on to win game four 85-79, dominating on the boards 45-21 and in fast break points 22-4.
The new WNBA playoff format has definitely been a success, the back and fourth in this series has been phenomenal for all fans and game five will not disappoint. Catch it on Thursday night at 8pm.
