Candace Parker #3, pregame warmups.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Nneka Ogwumike #30 is awarded the WNBA Rookie of the Year.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Carol Ross is awarded the WNBA Coach of the Year.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Jantel Lavender #42, DeLisha Milton-Jones #8 enjoy the pregame festivities.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Opening tipoff at Staples Center.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Lindsay Whalen #13 gets things started early for the Lynx.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Kristi Toliver #20 makes a driving layup through the Lynx defenders.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Alana Beard #0, Lindsay Whalen #13.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

The Sparks' offense looks to attack Minnesota's defense.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Candace Parker #3, driving layup for a score.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Candace Parker #3 starts up the break downcourt.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Minnesota' s Monica Wright #22 draws a shooting foul from Alana Beard #0.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Candace Parker #3 protests an official's call.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Monica Wright #22 launches an outside perimeter shot.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Jantel Lavender #42.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Alana Beard #0 moves around the pick set by Jantel Lavender #42.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Alana Beard #0, Seimone Augustus #33 battle for a loose ball.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Sparky Sparks with a Minnesota Lynx effigy.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Nneka Ogwumike #30, Lindsay Whalen #13.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Alana Beard #0.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Maya Moore #23.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Candace Parker #3 goes high to snag a defensive rebound.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Kristi Toliver #20.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Sparks' majority owner, Paula Williams Madison.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Seimone Augustus #33 shoots over Kristi Toliver #20.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Marissa Coleman #25, Kristi Toliver #20.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Candace Parker #3 makes an easy driving layup.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Seimone Augustus #33 makes her signature teardrop shot over Sparks' defenders.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Candace Parker #3, Maya Moore #23.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Nneka Ogwumike #30 looks to make an outlet pass.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

DeLisha Milton-Jones #8.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Alana Beard #0 shoots a short jumper over Lindsay Whalen #13.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Taj McWilliams-Franklin #8.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

The Sparks' Nneka Ogwumike #30 manages to gain possession of the ball in the middle of this pile.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Candace Parker #3 looks to pass, Maya Moore #23 defending.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Young Sparks' fan shows her devotion for her team.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Nneka Ogwumike #30 gets instruction from Head Coach Carol Ross.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Nneka Ogwumike #30 goes strong inside, Taj McWilliams-Franklin #8 defending.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Seimone Augustus #33 and her Lynx teammates plan their next strategy against the Sparks.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Kristi Toliver #20 goes long distance for her shot.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Seimone Augustus #33 glides inside for an uncontested layup.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Maya Moore #23 recovers a loose ball despite the effort of Nneka Ogwumike #30.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Nneka Ogwumike #30 injures her hand as Minnesota's Rebekkah Brunson #32 makes a steal.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Lindsay Whalen #13 penetrates inside for a score.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Sparks' fan urges her team on.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA, October 7, 2012.)

Candace Parker #3 reacts to an incredible three-point shot to beat the shot clock.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Alana Beard #0 shoots a short jumper despite double-coverage by the Lynx.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Lindsay Whalen #13 gets an offensive break started for the Lynx.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Monica Wright's #22 three-pointer with less than a minute left in the game gives Minnesota the lead for good, 80-79.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

The Sparks' final play of the season ends with Alana Beard's #0 missed desperation shot amidst tough Lynx defense.
(WNBA Western Conf. FInals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Despondent frustation by Alana Beard #0, Candace Parker #3 reveal the sudden end of the Sparks' season.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

The jubilant Lynx players celebrate their second consecutive trip back to the WNBA Finals.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

The Staples Center scoreboard tells the story.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Candace Parker #3 is consoled by her mother after the Sparks' season-ending loss.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

A teary-eyed Candace Parker #3 walks off the Staples Center court for the final time in 2012.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Sparks' Head Coach Carol Ross, postgame interview.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Lynx Head Coach Cheryl Reeve, postgame interview.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Maya Moore, Seimone Augustus, postgame interview.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)

Candace Parker, postgame interview.
(WNBA Western Conf. Finals GM 2, Los Angeles Sparks 79 vs. Minnesota Lynx 80, Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA. October 7, 2012.)