2021 WNBA Finals – Candace Parker’s legacy comes full circle as she leads Chicago Sky to first WNBA championship

CHICAGO — Candace Parker knew all too well what was at stake. She had been in Game 4 of the WNBA Finals twice before, with chances to win a title on her home court. But she was 0-2 in those games.

Now here she was again, this time with the Chicago Sky. Another Game 4. Another championship almost in her grasp. But the Sky trailed by nine entering the fourth quarter. Would this moment get away?

For all that glitters in Parker’s world, she has had her share of hoops heartbreaks. Two gut-punch playoff exits with the Los Angeles Sparks the last two seasons. Getting benched during the 2019 WNBA semifinals.

Then this year, she decided to leave LA after 13 seasons and took on the pressure of going home to the Windy City and proving herself with another team.

But all that came before helped make what happened Sunday mean all the more.

“You know, it’s funny, when I’m sitting at home watching television and there’s a last-second shot, I immediately almost vomit in my mouth,” Parker said. “My daughter knows that I sympathize more with the person that is on the losing end of that. My heart breaks for them. Because I’ve been there.”

On Sunday, Parker was on the other side. She won her second WNBA title, leading the Sky to their first championship in franchise history with an 80-74 win over the Phoenix Mercury. With her WNBA championships, two NCAA titles and pair of Olympic gold medals, you might think the only thing Parker relates to is winning. But she said falling short has been a big part of reaching the highest heights.