WNBA Finals what we learned in Game 3

Candace Parker posted big numbers in the Los Angeles Sparks  Game 3 win of the WNBA Finals against the Minnesota Lynx scoring 24 pts on 11-19 shooting and pulling down 9 boards to go along with a pair of 2 blocked shots. Parker and the Sparks were the aggressors from the opening tip  in Game 6 punching the Lynx in the mouth from the start.  WNBA MVP Nneke Ogwumike followed up with 21 points 9 boards 3 steals and 3 assist. The ladies in purple and gold were resilient throughout the game weathering each run by the Lynx with the hot shooting from Essence Carson who went 4-4 from behind the arc finishing with 16 points.  Alana Beard again ignited the defensive spark and kept Lindsay Whalen from orchestrating the Lynx offense. She also chipped in 15 boards off cuts to the baskets and steals on defense.  The Sparks executed Brian Agler's defense to perfection and the Minnesota Lynx failed to overcome it.

Essence Carson rose to the occasion in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals....

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The All-Star, Olympian studded back court  for the Minnesota was frustrated by Essence Carson and Alana Beard for much of the game.  Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus each finished with 9 points. Sylvia Fowles dominated the paint and did all she could defensively imposing her will with 14 points and  5 blocked shots but will have to have another Finals MVP performance tonight. Rebekkah Brunson added 14 but had no answer for Candace Parker inside the paint and can only hope to contain her tonight as she goes for her 1st ever WNBA title. The Lynx poor shot selection, turnovers, and lack of aggression resulted in theme facing a must win situation tonight at the Staples Center. The Maya Moore and Seimone Augustus tandem will have to be spectacular for the Lynx to force a game 4 and  continue their "roar4four".  The Lynx have been historically too  skilled, too versatile, too dominant in the WNBA for many years . Will they rise to the occasion tonight or will they collapse on the brink of elimination.

Will the Minnesota Lynx collapse again under the stifling defense from the Sparks.

Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

Candace Parker can end a year of revenge from being cut from the Olympic team , and fulfill expectations put on her since she was drafted as LA's #1 draft pick back in 2010. Tonight at 8:30 the LA Sparks will determine if they are WNBA champions. These teams know each other well and tonight's game really comes down to who wants it more. Brian Agler , Alana Beard and Candace Parker each have something to prove if only to no one but themselves the reason  they were bought together in LA. Sometimes in sport timing is everything. tonight we will find out if indeed the Sparks were right about this year being their time to rise.  Tonight at 8:30 Et on ESPN at the Staples Center we will find out if it's LA time to shine.