Maya Moore and Lynx destroy Sparks - by Nick Hamilton

MINNEAPOLIS - Maya Moore and the Minnesota Lynx returned home off a disappointing loss Friday night in Los Angeles against the Sparks. Maya’s home debut was eagerly anticipated by the home fans at Target Center on Sunday afternoon.

Maya Moore didn't start off strong as she was 1 for 5 shooting and picked up two quick fouls to see only seven minutes of action. As the game progress, Lnyx guard Simone Augustus picked up the slack, scoring at will against a lack luster Sparks defense. Sparks forward Candace Parker started off slow as she had 3 points by the end of the first quarter.

The Minnesota Lynx carried a 12 point lead in the 2nd quarter, only to see it cut down to six, thanks to the two 3 pointers on their last two possessions and sharp plays of Kristi Toliver, Tina Thompson and a last second buzzer beater before the half by Ticha Penichero just inside the half court line. Minnesota’s Augustus lead all scorers with 15 points, yet Los Angeles only trailed 46-40 at the half.

The second half belonged to Maya Moore as she came out aggressive stealing the ball from the Sparks on their first possession of the third quarter, passed it to guard Lindsey Whalen for an easy lay-up. Key defensive stops against the Sparks, allowed Moore to hit back to back 3 pointers, forcing the Sparks to call a much needed time out.

Kristi Toliver who was the leading scorer with 13 points, Parker & Thompson who had 11 points each provided a spark for Los Angeles as the intensity began to rise. Yet it would not be enough to overcome the huge hole they dug, being out shot 24 to 10 in the third quarter by the Lynx. Sparks took another blow as guard Ticha Penicheiro fighting for a loose ball sustained an ankle injury and had to be helped off the court by her teammates.

The Lynx dominated the boards, out rebounding Los Angeles 44-28, and capitalizing on fast break points 18-2.

The fourth quarter provided no light for the Sparks as they found themselves getting a 23 point , capped off by a huge Maya Moore block of veteran Tina Thompson, that brought the Target Center to its feet in amazement and joy.

Los Angeles didn't quit going on a 7-0 run in the fourth quarter, but wasn't nearly enough to overcome the Lynx as the Sparks fall 96-84 to Minnesota. The Lynx had a balanced offense with six players in double figures, Simone Augustus finished with 17 points, 5 rebounds. Maya Moore had 16 points in her home debut.

After the game a victorious Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve said simply, "it's about darn time we beat L.A.,"

When asked about how the Lynx played in this game verses last game Maya Moore responded “I was just wanting to make up for the way we ended (the first half). We knew we had to come out and be aggressive. I like how we responded today.”

Sparks Candace Parker said “Tough one to lose, back to the drawing board”.

Round II goes to Maya Moore, this wont be the last time we’ll see these two teams clash, they’ll have two more meetings and a possible playoff matchup.

I spoke with Sparks guard Ticha Penicheiro on Monday afternoon regarding her ankle and told me “I'm about to meet my trainer, its a little sore, but not too bad. I think I’ll be fine by this Friday.”

Next up for the Sparks, Friday night at Staples Center verses Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury.