Maya Moore Relishes Moment as Lynx Retire No. 23 Jersey

In a heartwarming tribute, Maya Moore, a celebrated figure in the WNBA, was emotional as she watched her jersey No. 23 retired at the Target Center on Saturday night. This occasion followed a thrilling game in which the Minnesota Lynx secured a playoff spot with a 90-80 victory against the Indiana Fever.

Moore, who officially retired from basketball a year ago, was surrounded by teammates, family, and friends as her number took its place among other prominent legends from the Lynx’s 2017 championship team, including Rebekkah Brunson, Lindsay Whalen, Sylvia Fowles, and Seimone Augustus. The event was attended by a record crowd of 19,023, with many of them staying seated to honor Moore’s illustrious career.

During her emotional speech, Moore reflected on the love and support she received throughout her life. “My life is an example of what it looks like when we love a little girl well,” she expressed. She emphasized the importance of love and joy, both of which she has received and strives to share with others.

As part of the ceremony, Moore received a customized chest of gifts from Jordan Brand, marking her as the first woman to be signed by the company. The presentation included a stylish letter jacket and several pairs of gold shoes. A video montage played during the event featured tributes from some of her fierce competitors, including Diana Taurasi, a star for the Phoenix Mercury, who described Moore as “unstoppable” during their matchups.

Moore, who earned the title of WNBA MVP in 2014, was celebrated not just for her individual talent but also for the pivotal role she played in transforming the Lynx into a championship-winning franchise under head coach Cheryl Reeve. Seimone Augustus commented on Moore’s ability to elevate her teammates’ performances, leading the team to achieve unprecedented success with four titles.

Lindsay Whalen added, “You never felt out of any situation, any game,” as she praised Moore’s talent and leadership on the court.

Moore, who has not competed in a game since 2018, officially announced her retirement to focus on her organization, Win With Justice, which raises awareness about issues in the American justice system. She also took time away from basketball to advocate for her husband, Jonathan Irons, whose wrongful conviction was overturned. Moore married Irons shortly after his release from prison in July 2020, and the couple welcomed their first child, Jonathan Irons Jr., in 2022. While embracing motherhood and her advocacy work, Moore expressed her satisfaction with her current life.

She reflected on her decision to delay her retirement announcement until she was certain about her path. “The journey I had was not expected, but it was exactly the journey I was supposed to go on,” she remarked, highlighting her commitment to living in the moment while considering her future.

Moore’s achievements are some of the most impressive in basketball history. She is a two-time NCAA champion, a two-time Wooden Award winner, and an Olympic gold medalist. Yet, she cherishes her memories with the Lynx, particularly a defining moment from the 2015 WNBA Finals when she sank a buzzer-beater against the Indiana Fever, a memory that stands out as one of the highlights of her career.

Current WNBA players also look up to Moore; Caitlin Clark, who scored 23 points in the recent game, has called her a lifelong inspiration. Clark had a memorable encounter with Moore in her childhood, hugging her before a game—a cherished moment for the young athlete.

Napheesa Collier, another standout player who helped the Lynx secure their playoff berth, shares a special bond with Moore, as they both hail from Jefferson City, Missouri, and played at UConn. Reeve acknowledged Moore’s influence on Collier’s success this season, emphasizing how Moore has inspired a new generation of players.

As Maya Moore’s jersey now hangs permanently in the Target Center, it serves as a lasting tribute to her remarkable contributions to the sport and the impact she has made on fans and future athletes. During the ceremony, overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude, she shared, “I kind of don’t want this night to end.” Surrounded by her loved ones and celebrated by devoted fans, the night became a beautiful reflection of her extraordinary journey in basketball.

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