Beard’s Jumper Lifts Sparks Over Lynx in Game 1

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Alana Beard hit a jumper from the baseline just before time expired to lift the Los Angeles Sparks in a 78-76 victory over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 1 of the WNBA Finals on Sunday.

With the defense collapsing on Candace Parker and Nneka Ogwumike in the paint, Beard was all alone in the corner. She took the pass from Chelsea Gray and knocked down jumper with a hand in her face.

As the ball splashed through, Moore put her head in her hands, and the Sparks celebrated a thrilling victory, their second on Minnesota's court this season.

Kristi Toliver scored 19 points to lead Los Angeles and Parker had 14 points and nine rebounds in her finals debut and MVP Nneka Ogwumike added 19 points for the Sparks in the opener of the best-of-five series.

Sylvia Fowles had 18 points and 13 rebounds and Lindsay Whalen scored 18 points for top-seeded Minnesota.