Candace Parker had an amazing game on Tuesday night to lead the Los Angeles Sparks to an 89-84 win over the Dallas Wings. It was an emotional game for Parker. Pat Summitt passed away Tuesday morning at the age of 64 after battling Alzheimer’s.
In her postgame interview, Parker said she felt inspired by Summitt in her 31-point, 13-rebound, seven-assist performance.
Candace Parker's postgame interview with Holly Rowe about Pat Summitt pic.twitter.com/1bWZWjD5ag
— The Cauldron (ICYMI) (@CauldronICYMI) June 29, 2016
When ESPN’s Holly Rowe asked about how hard it was to play, Parker said:
“It was difficult, but I felt a lot of strength from her and the Lady Vol family. Obviously it was a special night today, and we all played with heavy hearts.”
Rowe asked Parker what it was like to have her teammates hold her up and support her. She replied:
“That’s what we do. That’s what our team is. We’re a family. They know what coach has meant to the game of basketball, and we’ve all acknowledged that. Definitely from here on out, I’m playing for her.”
Lastly, Rowe mentioned how Parker had “rebound” written on her shoe and asked what mindset she was in while playing. Parker said, smiling:
“Well, I see coach’s glare and I hear her voice screaming at me to rebound, especially on the offensive end. I see her little head going back-and-forth telling me to rebound, so it’s very ironic that I had my season-high in rebounding tonight.”
Then, Rowe and Parker shared a heartfelt hug.
Parker shared a handwritten recruiting letter that Summitt had written to her on Twitter before the game.
You held true to your promises...and some. Thank you Coach for always being the perfect role model I love you. #RIP pic.twitter.com/HvA1mODwfP
— Candace Parker (@Candace_Parker) June 28, 2016
