2016 WNBA playoff scores: Sparks close series against Sky, return to finals


The Los Angeles Sparks are returning to the WNBA Finals for the first time in 13 seasons after closing out their semi-finals series against the Chicago Sky with a 95-75 Game 4 win on Tuesday.

Candace Parker dropped 29 points which included a perfect 3-for-3 from long range and 14-for-15 from the foul line to lead the Sparks to the championship round, the first time the two-time WNBA MVP has reached the finals in her impressive career in the league so far.

Kristi Toliver had 21 points on a perfect shooting night of 5-for-5 from the field, 4-for-4 from three-point area, and 7-for-7 from the free throw line to help the Sparks.

Reigning MVP Nneka Ogwumike added 17 points, nine rebounds, four steals, and three blocks.

Unlike in Game 3 where Los Angeles blew a 15-point cushion, the squad took control of the match and led by a whopping 55-33 at halftime.

The Sky, which missed Elena Delle Donne throughout the post-season, managed to cut the deficit to just eight early in the fourth quarter, but Parker scored eight straight points to put the game away.

Cappie Pondexter led Chicago with 19 points. Imani Boyette had a double-double of 15 points and 10 boards. She added three blocks while Clarissa Dos Santos scored 14 points on 7-for-8 shooting.


Thanks to the new playoff format, the two best teams will be clashing for the WNBA title.

The Sparks had always faltered in the past against either the Minnesota Lynx or Phoenix Mercury, but in this year's conference-less playoffs, the Sparks avoided an early meeting with their fellow powerhouse teams.

The Sparks will now challenge the defending champions Lynx in the best-of-five finals series beginning on Sunday, October 9 at 3 p.m. ET in Minneapolis.

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