L.A. Sparks Inch Closer To A Second Straight WNBA Championship: WNBA Game 3 Recap

With game three of the WNBA Finals in the books, the Los Angeles Sparks are now eyeing yet another championship on the horizon.

Anchored by the strong defensive presence in the key by Candice Parker, the Sparks seem to set the tone for the third installation of this highly competitive series. This series has gone by the virtue of aggressive rebounding, continued defensive pressure with rotations and a well balanced scoring attack.

The Minnesota Lynx, while putting up a valiant effort with sporadic scoring bursts, never seemed to be able to over come their opponents’ energy and focus. The deciding moment for the supremacy of the season could be realized as soon as this Sunday.

Los Angeles began the game outscoring the Lynx 17-8 capped by a Jantel Lavender put back with 1:04 left in the first quarter and never relinquished.

They lead holding both Maya Moore and Rebekkah Brunson to a combined 1-5 shooting for a total of two first half points.

Parker collected two of her game high five steals by halftime as the Sparks set the tone in the contest early.

The second half was much of the same for Minnesota despite the 16-point effort by Moore on 6-8 shooting including 2-2 from 3-point range in the fourth quarter. The balanced scoring attack by the home team kept the challengers on their heels the entire night.

The final score was 75-64 in favor of the Sparks with four players in double digits including a 13-point performance by Parker coupled with seven rebounds, five assists and five steals. The Sparks also out rebounded the Lynx 34 -27 taking advantage of 12 second chance points during the contest.

For the Lynx, the regular season MVP Sylvia Fowels contributed 15 points on 78% shooting with 11 rebounds.

The scene is set for Game 4 at the Staple Center in Los Angeles. Can Minnesota rally the troops for an opportunity to force a game five back in front of their home crowd? I guess you’ll just have to tune in on Sunday and see.