The Sparks have brought the WNBA title back to Los Angeles after defeating the Minnesota Lynx 77-76 in a thrilling Game 5.
The title is the first for the Sparks since 2002 and the first one of Candace Parker’s career. It comes at a time when Parker has been dealing with several personal and professional challenges. In addition to losing her mentor and former coach Pat Summitt to Alzheimer’s, Parker was snubbed from the Olympic squad last summer for the first time since 2008.
“This last year has been pretty tough for me personally,” said a champagne-soaked Parker, who was named the Finals MVP. “My teammates and my coaches were always there for me. I think I’m excited because we won the championship, but the journey to get here, I wouldn’t want to do it with anybody else. … It’s amazing when you surround yourself with great people how fun it is and how exciting is when you get what you want.”
Parker led the Sparks with 28 points and 12 rebounds. The Sparks win prevented the Lynx from tying the record set by the defunct Houston Comets who won four consecutive WNBA titles between 1997-2000. The win is the third for the Sparks franchise, previously securing the title in back-to-back years in 2001 and 2002. Another LA basketball dynasty was also at the top of the heap those same years :cough Lakers cough:
Magic Johnson was a partial owner of the Lakers at the time and is a current Sparks owner and was courtside to congratulate the team on their victory.
Magic congratulates @Nnmekadi30! https://t.co/L8Sg9ymhMe
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 21, 2016
.@Candace_Parker and @MagicJohnson shared a moment on court after the @la_sparks were crowned champs. #WNBAFinals pic.twitter.com/VABhYUzae4
— WNBA (@WNBA) October 21, 2016
Check out the nail-biting ending.
