Lynx forward Maya Moore wins WNBA MVP award

Minnesota Lynx forward Maya Moore is the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player for this season.

Minnesota Lynx forward Maya Moore was named the WNBA’s Most Valuable Player for this season, the league announced Thursday.

Moore received 371 points and 35 first-place votes from a national panel of 38 sportswriters and broadcasters.

Phoenix Mercury guard Diana Taurasi finished second in the voting, followed by Atlanta Dream guard/forward Angel McCoughtry, Los Angeles Sparks forward/center Candace Parker and Mercury center Brittney Griner.

Moore will receive the award before the Lynx play the San Antonio Stars in the Western Conference semifinals on Thursday.

Moore led the WNBA in scoring, averaging 23.9 points per game, scoring more than 30 points 12 times. She also averaged 8.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.9 steals for the Lynx, who are the second seed in the Western Conference. 

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“It's a great feeling to be recognized for all the hard work that I've put in,” Moore said to the Associated Press. “I think of all the people who have helped me in my journey as a basketball player. They should be recognized with this award. It means so much to have the respect of the people who watch the game and love the game.”

Moore won the league’s Rookie of the Year award in 2011 and has led the Lynx to two WNBA titles, including last season when she was named the Finals MVP.

- Scooby Axson