There hasn't been this much buzz surrounding a basketball team in Minnesota for a long time, but the Minnesota Lynx have some cause for optimism in their 2011 WNBA season.
↵The team is now led by Maya Moore, who the Lynx selected with the top overall selection in the 2011 WNBA Draft a couple of months ago. Moore's name is on the short list in the category of "greatest collegiate women's basketball players," and she's just the kind of player a struggling franchise like the Lynx needs to really get themselves on the map.
↵With that said, the Maya Moore Era began with a loss on Friday night to the Los Angeles Sparks by a final score of 82-74 at the Staples Center. The Lynx had a 43-37 lead at halftime, and extended their lead to as many as ten in the third quarter, but the Sparks then started a three-point barrage to take the lead, and the Lynx didn't regain the lead for the entire fourth quarter.
↵Moore performed well, scoring 21 points to go with four rebounds and four assists. Candace Parker had 19 points and 10 rebounds for the victorious Sparks.
↵The Lynx home opener will also be against the Sparks, and it will take place this Sunday at 2:30 PM at the Target Center. For more information on the Minnesota Lynx, you can check out the team's official website.