Maya Moore had 27 points and a career-high 10 assists to help the defending WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx open the season with a 95-76 victory over the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday night.

The Lynx raised their banner prior to tip-off — celebrating their third championship in five years — but Moore downplayed the festivities.

“We were trying to stay ready and prepared throughout the ceremony,” she said.

Moore is the player to have at least 20 points and 10 assists in a WNBA season opener.

The Lynx started to pull away in the second quarter, finishing the half with a 12-5 run to lead 52-42. Diana Taurasi’s jumper pulled the Mercury within 60-53 midway through the third quarter, but Minnesota answered with a 13-2 run and led by double digits the rest of the way.