Candace Parker is Finally in the WNBA Finals

ROSEMONT, Ill. (AP) — Candace Parker scores 29 points to lead Los Angeles Sparks over Chicago Sky 95-75 and advance to WNBA Finals

Her first trip to the championship caps off an eventful, and at times difficult, year for the Los Angeles Sparks star.

She was left off the Olympic team despite being a two-time gold medalist and mourned the passing of her college coach, Tennessee's Pat Summitt. Now she has a chance to win her first WNBA title, the only thing missing from her incredible basketball resume.

Parker scored 29 points and the Los Angeles Sparks beat the Chicago Sky 95-75 on Tuesday night to advance to the WNBA Finals.

"It's been a long journey. We haven't done anything yet. We haven't accomplished our goal," Parker said.

Parker shot 6 of 10 from the field and made 14 of her 15 free throws to lead the Sparks to the finals for the first time since 2003 after they won championships in 2001 and 2002.