Candace Parker and the Chicago Sky are one win away from a return to the WNBA Finals after escaping Game 3 with a 76-72 win over the Connecticut Sun.
Parker recorded his fifth double-double this postseason and played a key role in giving Chicago a 2-1 series lead after dropping 16 points, 11 rebounds and four assists on Sunday. So far, the two-time MVP is averaging 16.7 points, 11.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.8 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game on 46.3% shooting from the field through the playoffs.
The 2016 Finals MVP held Connecticut to 27 percent shooting (14-51), according to ESPN. The Tennessee graduate balks at the idea that she’s playing her best basketball, but believes her younger days were more dominant in the playoffs. Parker posted career-high rebounding, assist and blocking averages in the playoffs.
#Skytown Secured DUB against Sun 76-72.@Candace_Parker Recording his 27th career playoff double-double
➡️ 16 points
➡️Level 11
➡️4AST pic.twitter.com/NpR8aOwNvL– WSLAM (@wslam) September 4, 2022
Parker’s increase in production came despite the Sun taking Chicago out of their comfort zone with their physical style of play and disrupting the defending champions’ offensive action. Parker became the first player in W history to record a 15/15/5/5 performance in a single playoff game this postseason. Her double-double on Sunday was her 27th career playoff double-double, tying her with Tamika Catchings for the most in WNBA playoff history.
Coach Curt Miller, who was a Spark assistant coach in 2015 before becoming the Sun’s head coach, said it was “impressive” that Parker had improved his stamina, strength and intangibles at the age of 36. Miller also said that Parker “doesn’t stop playing anymore.” “It’s impressive to see and I think it’s a huge credit to her dedication to fitness, nutrition, strength and conditioning.”
“Her stamina and strength and the intangibles she has added late in her career are impressive,” Miller said. Per ESPN. “I’m not saying that wasn’t the case in 2015. But she’s really healthy, athletic, and physically great. She doesn’t do theater anymore. And it’s impressive to see and I think it’s a huge credit to her dedication to health, nutrition, strength and conditioning. She looks great.”
Hard on the paint! pic.twitter.com/FkjCryRvcU
– WSLAM (@wslam) September 4, 2022
To that point, Parker admitted he had changed his approach to staying fit after injuries hampered his 2019 and 2021 seasons. She now prioritizes therapy and recovery (cold baths, electrostimulation, acupuncture, yoga, Pilates).
She has also strengthened her mental approach to trees, which she believes has helped her stay at an elite level. Parker is focusing on scouting reports to understand his opponents’ tendencies while also figuring out a strategy to get to his position. Parker also makes sure he’s ready when he needs to take over or make a clutch play late in the game to cement a Chicago win.
“We can still get there. It’s just going to be different,” Parker said. “I see men like that [the NBA’s Nikola] Jovic and others who are slow to get where they are. How do you do that? It’s really about becoming a master of the matchup and sometimes slowing down and figuring out what the defense has to offer in the game.”
😍😍😍 pic.twitter.com/zXlwOBz6Nz
– WSLAM (@wslam) September 4, 2022
Chicago has a chance to close out the best-of-five semifinal series with a Game 4 win over Connecticut on Tuesday.
“I want to win a championship because I like to win and this team likes to win,” Parker said. “I don’t think I have anything left to prove to myself and the game. I don’t play for that.”
