Candace Parker's contributions will once again be pivotal as the Los Angeles Sparks seeks to close out their series against the Minnesota Lynx in Game 4, Sunday at the Staples Center. The Sparks had not won an WNBA championship since capturing back-to-back titles in 2001 and 2002.
A two-time MVP, Parker scored 24 to lead the Sparks over the Lynx, 92-75, in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals at the Galen Center on Friday night. The Sparks lead the series 2-1.
Parker finished with a game-high 24 points. Nneka Ogwumike scored 21 and Essence Carson contributed 16, connecting on all 3-point attempts, the LA Times reported. The Sparks led 48-40 at halftime.
The 6-4 Parker needed less than five minutes to tie her Game 2 total of six points as the Sparks were hot from the opening tip. She finished the first quarter with 10. Ogwumike, the current MVP, want to see that same chemistry she's had together with Parker for most of the season and see them rebounding and running more.
Sparks Coach Brian Angler agreed, saying that the MVP duo lost focus and urgency in a 79-60 loss to the Lynx in Game 2. He wants Parker and Ogwumike to maximize the utilization of their skills, athleticism, basketball instincts and intelligence.
Parker agreed, saying that most of their shortcomings in Game 2 were due to lack of energy and effort because they weren't as focused as they were in Game 1. Already in her ninth year, Parker had waited her entire career to make the Finals, The Oakland Press noted. She shot only 3 of 12 in a six point effort in Game 2. She had 14 points and nine rebounds in Game 1.
During the playoffs in the past years, Parker had always raised her game not only in scoring but also about having a presence, whether it's offensively or defensively. Angler expects the Lynx to be at their best on Game 4 and Parker needs to maintain her form to get a shot at a win.
