Who doesn’t like buzzer-beaters? They are often the most exhilarating and defining moments in any game. However, if someone can pull it off in a WNBA Final, the excitement reaches the next level. And that was the story of the night 9 years ago at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse when the Minnesota Lynx’s iconic No.23 Maya Moore produced perhaps one of the most legendary WNBA moments of all time. Hardly anyone would argue that it remains afresh even now.

Game 3 of the 2015 WNBA Finals. A total of 16,332 Indiana Fever fans turned up for a classic encounter between the two best teams in the league at the time. Well, they did get their money’s worth as neither of the two squads was looking to back down. As the game approached its concluding moments, nothing could separate the two sides which was evident with them tied at 77 a piece. At this time, with just 1.7 seconds left in the contest, power forward Maya Moore received an inbound pass from Lindsay Whalen.

Moore caught the ball with ease despite Marissa Coleman approaching to guard her. Giving a pump fake, she took one dribble to create some distance from Coleman and launched a picture-perfect beyond-the-arc attempt, which to the disappointment of those in attendance, landed in the back of the basket. One, that was quite similar to how Michael Jordan won the game for the Chicago Bulls against the Cleveland Cavaliers with The Shot in 1989.

The intensity of such an enthralling turn of events was such that Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve too couldn’t hide her joy. Moore, who had just 12 points in the bag in the closing moments of the third quarter, finished with a game-high 24 points. Despite losing the first game, the Lynx turned the tides in their favor and now had a 2-1 advantage. Eventually, they went on to lift the championship by winning the series 3-2.

Anyhow, this moment became immortal for years to come. Still, there were some crazy reactions to it at that time.

Maya Moore and others reflect on “The Shot“

The moment of truth received several reactions thereafter. But the most interesting comments came from the 2014 WNBA MVP herself. She said, “I think my natural state is to go really fast. That’s just my personality. Go really fast, play really hard, and ask questions later.” 

Lindsay Whalen, who produced probably the most iconic assist also spared a thought. According to her, she had no doubts about Moore’s ability to bury that shot. “I knew when she caught it, I had a feeling she’d put the ball in”, said the Lynx guard soon after the game. “The poise she had on that play was just really unbelievable.” 

In addition to this, the then-Fever coach Stephanie White also didn’t shy away from commending this Moore Special. She added, “That was just a great player making a great play at the end of a great game.” 

Indeed, one of the defining moments of her career. One that certifies her as one of the greats of the game. With her jersey now hanging in the rafters at the Target Center, Maya Moore’s legacy has forever been immortalised.

Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show”. Our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.