Maya Moore: 'I Didn’t Want the Night to End' as Lynx Retire No. 23 Jersey Maya Moore expressed her reluctance for the evening to end as the Minnesota Lynx honored her by retiring her No. 23 jersey. The emotional ceremony celebrated Moore's outstanding contributions to the team and her impact on the sport. Reflecting on the night, Moore admitted she wished it could have lasted longer, highlighting the significance of the occasion and the deep connection she has with the Lynx and their fans.

 Maya Moore was overcome with emotion on Saturday night as her No. 23 jersey was retired at the Target Center. The ceremony took place after the Minnesota Lynx secured a playoff spot with a 90-80 win over the Indiana Fever. The event also marked a year since Moore's official retirement from the WNBA.

Surrounded by former teammates, friends, and family, Moore watched as her jersey was raised alongside those of other Lynx legends from the 2017 WNBA championship team: Rebekkah Brunson, Lindsay Whalen, Sylvia Fowles, and Seimone Augustus. The record crowd of 19,023 at the Lynx home game stayed to honor Moore, who helped lead the franchise to four WNBA titles.

"My life is an example of what it looks like when we love a little girl well," Moore said. "There is no way we're watching that [ceremony] without love. So many people have had a hand in my life to show me what life is about. That's what I tried to bring every day: life and joy. Because I've been a recipient of life and joy."

Moore admitted she didn’t want the night to end, expressing, "Some of my favorite people in the world are here with me." She was presented with a customized chest from Jordan Brand, featuring a letter jacket and several pairs of gold shoes. A video montage played during the ceremony, highlighting praise from opponents, including Mercury star Diana Taurasi, who called Moore "unstoppable."

Celebrated as a former two-time NCAA champion, two-time Wooden Award winner, and Olympic gold medalist, Moore’s memorable moments with the Lynx include a dramatic buzzer-beater in the 2015 WNBA Finals against the Fever.

Moore, who retired in 2023, now focuses on her work with Win With Justice, a nonprofit she co-founded with her husband, Jonathan Irons, whom she married shortly after his release from prison in July 2020. Despite her retirement from basketball, Moore remains a significant figure in the sport, with her impact enduring through the Lynx’s legacy and beyond.

In addition to Moore, current players like Napheesa Collier, who admired Moore growing up, continue to be influenced by her legacy. Coach Cheryl Reeve noted Moore's role in inspiring players like Collier to reach new heights in their careers.

As Moore’s jersey now hangs in the rafters of the Target Center, her legacy will forever be a part of the Lynx’s storied history.