Minnesota Lynx Blast Shock In Second Half

The Tulsa Shock trailed was within striking distance in the third quarter, but couldn't keep up with the pace of the defending champion Minnesota Lynx, falling 93-73 Saturday for their eighth consecutive loss to open the season.

Tulsa held a narrow lead with 6:29 left in the third quarter, leading 50-49 thanks to a Karima Christmas jumper. However, the Lynx took over at that point, thanks to the offense of star Maya Moore.

Moore knocked down a three-pointer to retake the lead for Minnesota, sparking a 20-9 run to close the third quarter, 14 of which she was responsible for, to head into the fourth quarter holding a 70-58 lead. Candice Wiggins knocked down a three-pointer in the opening moments of the fourth quarter to push the lead to 15 points.

The Shock managed to cut the lead to 81-69 with 4:20 left to play, but Minnesota snapped off nine consecutive points – including four from Taj McWilliams-Franklin – to take a 21-point lead with just 90 seconds left to play.

Moore finished with a game-high 26 points, five rebounds and three assists in the win. Monica Wright contributed with 18 points and four rebounds, while Rebekkah Brunson added 15 points and six boards in the win.

Jennifer Lacy set the pace for Tulsa, notching 15 points, with Temeka Johnson contributing 14 points and six rebounds.

Tulsa will be back in action at 7 p.m. Friday at home, trying to pick up its first win of the season against the Seattle Storm.