Nneka Ogwumike lifts Sparks to WNBA title

The Los Angeles Sparks have won the WNBA title for the first time in 14 years, defeating the Minnesota Lynx 77-76 in the deciding finals game.

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.

The league MVP joined her teammates in celebration 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."

Rebekkah Brunson made one of two free throws with 23 seconds left to give the Lynx a 74-73 lead.

Parker answered with a lay-up 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.


Share

2 min read

Published

Source: AAP



Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world