AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Today's deciding Game 3 of the WNBA Finals will either be the extension of the league's old guard or the beginning of a new age.
In the Western Conference corner stand the Los Angeles Sparks, who have won the last two league championships — after the four in a row won by the Houston Comets. In the Eastern corner stands the Detroit Shock, perhaps the best East team to contend for the championship since Houston won the league's inaugural title in 1997 as an Eastern Conference squad.
The best-of-three series is tied at 1. The Sparks won Game 1 at home 73-65 Friday. Detroit bounced back for a 62-61 home win Sunday.
The title showdown could represent a pivotal point in the league, which has been operating for seven years. The Sparks want a shot at equaling Houston's four-year reign. The Shock, the youngest team in the league, finished this season with the best regular-season record. A Game 3 win could propel Detroit to the league's next dynasty run.
"Winning Game 2 was a definite turning point in our favor," Shock forward Swin Cash said. "For Game 3, we'll all be out there just laying it on the line.
"It will be a physical game and a test to see who wants it the most. There's no time to think about what hurts; it's time to throw the ball up and play."
Today
Game 3, Los Angeles @ Detroit, 5 p.m., ESPN2.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2001730667_wnba16.html
In the Western Conference corner stand the Los Angeles Sparks, who have won the last two league championships — after the four in a row won by the Houston Comets. In the Eastern corner stands the Detroit Shock, perhaps the best East team to contend for the championship since Houston won the league's inaugural title in 1997 as an Eastern Conference squad.
The best-of-three series is tied at 1. The Sparks won Game 1 at home 73-65 Friday. Detroit bounced back for a 62-61 home win Sunday.
The title showdown could represent a pivotal point in the league, which has been operating for seven years. The Sparks want a shot at equaling Houston's four-year reign. The Shock, the youngest team in the league, finished this season with the best regular-season record. A Game 3 win could propel Detroit to the league's next dynasty run.
"Winning Game 2 was a definite turning point in our favor," Shock forward Swin Cash said. "For Game 3, we'll all be out there just laying it on the line.
"It will be a physical game and a test to see who wants it the most. There's no time to think about what hurts; it's time to throw the ball up and play."
Today
Game 3, Los Angeles @ Detroit, 5 p.m., ESPN2.
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2001730667_wnba16.html
