Former Cy-Fair star Nneka Ogwumike hits the gamewinner as Los Angeles claims the WNBA title.
Cy-Fair standout lifts Los Angeles past defending champs in deciding game
MINNEAPOLIS — Nneka Ogwumike’s short jumper with 3.1 seconds left gave the Los Angeles Sparks a 77-76 victory over the defending champion Minnesota Lynx for their first title in 14 years in the deciding game of the WNBA Finals on Thursday night.
The league MVP and former Cy-Fair standout joined her teammates in celebration as a stunned crowd slowly filed out after finishing with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Candace Parker had 28 points and 12 rebounds to earn MVP honors of the Finals. It was Parker’s first WNBA title.
“She’s been through so much,” Ogwumike said of Parker. “She’s probably the most misunderstood person in the league. I told her I wanted her to get one. She had an awesome game tonight. She’s been our leader.”
Parker said she listened to one of Pat Summitt’s speeches before the game and that motivated her. Her former coach at Tennessee died in late June.
“She would have been proud of our rebounding. It came down to rebounding and defense,” Parker said. “I could hear her voice telling me to keep going. She was definitely present tonight.”
‘This was their year’
Rebekkah Brunson made one of two free throws with 23 seconds left to give the Lynx a 74-73 lead. Parker answered with a layup on the other end that Maya Moore countered with a jumper with 15 seconds remaining. Ogwumike’s first try for the win was off the mark, but she worked her way over to the loose ball for another attempt that she coolly swished.
Lindsay Whalen’s final shot from just inside halfcourt wasn’t close, setting off Los Angeles’ celebration as Parker and Sparks owner Magic Johnson embraced in a long hug.
Johnson spoke to the team after the loss at home in Game 4 on Sunday. His presence in Minnesota was all the more impressive considering the Dodgers, the other pro club he’s invested in, were playing baseball in Los Angeles at the same time in Game 5 of their National League Championship Series.
“I told them the series wasn’t over and that there was still a Game 5 to be played. They had to believe they could do it on a tough home court. This team Minnesota is tremendous,” Johnson said. “We just beat the champions, so I give them a lot of credit, too. Our leaders led us, and we had a great coach in Brian, and they believed all season long. I told them this was their year. I wanted them to do it for Candace Parker. She deserves to be a champion.”
Moore had 23 points and 11 assists for the Lynx, who fell short of matching the WNBA record of four championships. The Houston Comets won four straight titles from 19972000.
The Lynx played in the finals for the fifth time in the past six years. They won three.
Back and forth
Parker finally had help with the scoring when reserve Chelsea Gray reeled off 11 consecutive points for the Sparks. Gray capped that run with a smooth up-and-under layup to put them in front 60-59 early in the fourth quarter. Parker’s putback with 3:06 left gave L.A. a 71-63 lead, putting the Lynx in trouble.
But Moore seized the moment with a 3-pointer that brought Minnesota within four points, and Parker forced an off-balance 3 on the other end.
Whalen stole the ball from Kristi Toliver and finished the fast break with a layup to tie the game at 71, setting up the final flurry.