Stat Pack: Parker nets her first career triple-double

Parker enters triple-double territory

Candace Parker’s legend grows with each season, but until Friday night, the Los Angeles Sparks forward had never registered a triple-double in her 10 years of action. Following an 85-73 win over the San Antonio Stars, the absence of a triple-double was no more. Parker netted 11 points, 17 rebounds and a career-high 11 assists.

“When you have the weapons around you like I do, it shouldn’t have been this long,” Parker told reporters after the game. “This road win was so special for our team, that is the most important thing.”

Parker fell a few rebounds shy of getting a career high in that category, but she joined rare company, becoming the sixth player in WNBA history to earn a triple-double. Naturally, social media noticed:

So did Sparks head coach Brian Agler. He noted Parker coming close several times before, but she was subbed out before reaching the milestone. Nevertheless, Agler was appreciative of Parker’s contributions.

“I’m glad she had the opportunity tonight. She played a really fabulous game. She is really investing defensively and doing a great job for us,” he said.

Earlier this week, Atlanta’s Layshia Clarendon had a triple-double waived off after a stat correction. In the past year, three triple-doubles were later rescinded by the WNBA, but at least one observer has a high degree of confidence that Parker’s accolade will hold up:

Equally important in the Sparks win was a season-high 22 points from Odyssey Sims, her first 20-point game since the season opener on May 13.