Parker gives Sky its first WNBA title

CHICAGO – Candace parker He came home to bring Chicago a championship. He did exactly that, which led to Sky to the first title of the franchise.

Allie Quigley scored 26 points and Parker added 16 points, 13 rebounds and five assists and Chicago beat the Phoenix mercury 80-74 Sunday in Game 4.

“I’m very proud of this group. Sloot does what she does all year. Allie is amazing,” Parker said.

Courtney Vandersloot added 10 points and 15 assists for Sky, who won the series 3-1, rebounding from a 72-65 deficit with 4:42 to play. Chicago scored the next nine points to take a two-point lead on Stefanie Dolson’s layup. He then added another basket to make it 76-72 with 45.8 seconds left.

Diana Taurasi he was fouled on the next possession by hitting a triple and made the first two free throws, but missed the third.

Then Vandersloot scored to seal the victory that kicked off the celebration. When the buzzer sounded, Parker ran to the corner of the court and hugged his family with tears.

It was a full-circle moment for Parker, who triumphantly returned home to Chicago this season after spending 13 years with Los Angeles. She has continually been called the missing piece of Sky during the playoffs, a tag that proved to be spot on many times during Chicago’s impressive streak, winning the title as sixth seed.

“It feels amazing. My coach from high school is here,” Parker added. “I know Pat (Summitt) is watching. We have the whole city here. We have the whole city here. Now we are champions for life.”

Brittney Griner was a focal point of the Phoenix offense from the start. The seven-time All-Star finished the game with 28 points, 18 of which came in the first half. Griner and point guard Skylar Diggins-Smith helped lead a 9-0 run to end the second quarter and give Phoenix a 44-37 lead at halftime.

Kahleah Copper won the championship ‘MVP’ honors.

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