Alexander Shun

Web Editorial Associate | Twitter

The Minnesota Lynx returned to form on Monday night and closed out their preseason with an 85-80 victory over the New York Liberty.

The preseason finale was the last chance for newcomers to the Lynx roster to impress the coaches and solidify a spot on the team.

The story early on was the hot shooting of Lynx guard Tricia Liston. Liston scored 14 points in the first half, including 4-of-8 from beyond the arc. Liston’s scoring pushed the Lynx to a big lead; a lead that grew as high as 21 points.

In the second-half, though, the Liberty made a run and made the game close, outscoring the Lynx in the third quarter 24-16, cutting the Lynx lead to only seven heading to the fourth.

Liberty forward Tina Charles and forward Rebecca Allen made many key baskets down the stretch, even making it a one-point game late in the fourth quarter. But Maya Moore knocked down a huge jumper from the free-throw line with only 34.3 seconds to go in the game to put the Lynx up 81-78. After a defensive stop and a Liberty foul, Lindsay Whalen added two free-throws to make it a five point lead and a Lynx victory.

Moore looked more like herself, scoring 19 points (8-of-11), grabbing four rebounds and snagging three steals. Moore showed off some of the skills that made her the league-MVP last year. Midway through the second quarter, Moore had the ball stolen from her, but hustled back on defense and got the steal, before feeding the ball to Liston who got fouled and proceeded to knock down both free-throws.

Charles led the way for the Liberty scoring 19 points and grabbing five rebounds while guard Tanisha Wright added 11 points, four rebounds, and four assists.

Liberty rookie center Kiah Stokes struggled offensively after having a stellar preseason thus far. Stokes entered Monday night’s game averaging 10 points and 11 rebounds per game through her first two games but struggled to get anything going against the Lynx, due in large-part to the combined defensive efforts of Lynx forward Rebekkah Brunson and Lynx center Damiris Dantas. Stokes finished with a quiet four points and five rebounds.

LEADER OF THE PACK: MAYA MOORE

It may seem an obvious choice, but after scoring 19 points and hitting a huge basket late, Moore definitely belongs here. Coming off the preseason loss to the Mystics in which she only had 7 points, Moore closed out the preseason in style, playing well on both ends of the court and coming up clutch when the team needed her most.

(Honorable Mention): Tricia Liston

BY THE NUMBERS:

The Lynx dramatically improved their free-throw shooting from last game, hitting 14-of-16 (87.5 percent) free-throws.

The Lynx won despite being outscored in the paint 32-26 and outrebounded 33-28.

The Lynx shot an impressive 7-of-14 (50 percent) from beyond the arc, while the Liberty could only manage to go 6-of-18 (33 percent).

This preseason is the second straight preseason that the Liberty have gone winless.

Today marked Reshanda Gray’s 22nd birthday. She finished with four points, two rebounds and one block.

NEXT UP:

The Lynx will open the regular-season on Friday night at Target Center against the Tulsa Shock. The game will start at 7 p.m.