From Tulsa Shock
The Tulsa Shock lost to the Minnesota Lynx, 75-83, tonight in the 2015 WNBA season opener for both teams.
The Shock were led by 12-year veteran Plenette Pierson who tallied 18 points and six rebounds in almost 28 minutes of playing time, the most of any Shock player. She as joined in the starting line-up by guards Skylar Diggins and Odyssey Sims, fellow forward Karima Christmas, and center Courtney Paris.
Sims contributed 15 points and had six rebounds. She also had five assists and two steals. Paris led the Shock with 10 rebounds, picking up where she left of last season when she led the league in rebounds last season. Her 10 boards were bested by one from Lynx forward Rebekkah Brunson, who grabbed 11 in the game.
Diggins scored in double-figures as well with 10 points, adding three assists as well. And guard Riquna Williams added nine points coming off the bench for Tulsa.
First-round draft pick Amanda Zahui B saw limited time in the game with just less than five minutes on the court during her professional debut and homecoming to Minnesota where she played her college ball. She attempted only one shot, but missed it.
The Lynx were led by defending WNBA Most Valuable Player Maya Moore who racked up 20 points in the game to lead all scorers. Fellow-starter and guard Lindsey Whalen had 15 points of her own to go with her five assists and four rebounds. Brunson and guard Semitone Augustus also scored in double-figures with 12 points apiece.
The Shock jumped out to a 26-10 lead to start the game, but the Lynx fought back by going on a 9-0 run to end the quarter with the Shock leading 26-19. The Shock was outscored 18-26 in the second by Minnesota to end the half trailing by one, 44-45.
For the game the Shock shot 38.7 percent from the field, and Lynx shot 44.5 percent. However, the Shock went 10 for 10 from the foul line. Rebounding was almost even, with the Lynx grabbing just four more from the Shock in the game, 34-30.
The two teams meet next on June 21 again at the Target Center in Minneapolis. The Lynx don’t come to Tulsa until July 21.
The Shock opens the season at home tomorrow night, June 6, versus the Chicago Sky. Tip-off is 7 p.m. Central Time in the BOK Center, doors open a 6 p.m. Tickets are still on sale, and every fan attending the game receives a free t-shirt courtesy of Osage Casino, the Shock’s Marquee Partner.