Candace Parker of the Sparks Shares Her Take on Shohei Ohtani’s Epic NLCS Game 4 for the Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers secured a decisive victory over the Milwaukee Brewers, winning 5-1 and earning a spot in the 2025 World Series. Star player Shohei Ohtani distinguished himself in this crucial game, garnering the NLCS MVP award. Ohtani excelled, pitching six innings while also hitting three home runs.
Candace Parker’s Insights on Ohtani’s Performance
On that memorable night, Candace Parker, a former standout for the Los Angeles Sparks, was present at Dodger Stadium. She shared her impressions of Ohtani’s remarkable performance through TNT Sports. Parker stated, “Seeing [Shohei] Ohtani up close … it’s crazy. That’s so cool.”
As an Illinois native, Parker humorously compared her culinary experiences, mentioning that a Jumbo Chili Cheese Dog from Portillo’s surpasses the famous Dodger Dog. She added, “There’s nothing like a summertime Chicago Cubs game, but it’s hard to raise LA kids and have them cheer for terrible [Chicago] teams.”
Candace Parker’s Legacy in Los Angeles
Candace Parker’s basketball career is marked by significant achievements. During her time with the Sparks, she captured three WNBA championships and was named MVP twice. Parker spent 13 successful seasons in Los Angeles, leading the team to its third championship in 2016. Her stellar statistics include an average of 16.9 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists.
This past summer, Parker received a tribute as her No. 3 jersey was retired during a halftime ceremony at Crypto.com Arena, coinciding with a game against the Chicago Sky on June 29.
Reflecting on Her Basketball Journey
In an interview during early June on ESPN’s NBA Today, Parker reflected on her illustrious career across different leagues. She acknowledged her roots in Chicago, where she first fell in love with basketball while watching the Bulls aim for championships. She also recognized Tennessee as her collegiate foundation.
Discussing her family, Parker mentioned the difficulty of balancing her Chicago loyalty with her children’s support for local teams, such as the Dodgers. Nonetheless, she humorously concludes that she’ll allow her daughter to wear the Dodgers jersey.
Conclusion
Candace Parker’s observations during Shohei Ohtani’s legendary NLCS Game 4 showcase her deep appreciation for athletic talent, reminding fans of her remarkable legacy in sports. As the Dodgers head to the World Series, her insights capture the excitement and passion inherent in both basketball and baseball.
