The Chicago Sky secured their first WNBA Finals Championship on Sunday against the Phoenix Mercury. Candace Parker led the team to their first championship win in franchise history with 16 points, 13 rebounds, five assists and four steals, ESPN reports.
Parker's return to the city where she grew up wasn't far from her mind as she reflected on the meaning behind the win.
"It was just an amazing feeling to be from here and see so many people in the stands that have been supporting you since you started," she said.
The historic championship win was also celebrated by native Chicago celebrities, including former President Barack Obama and Chance the Rapper.
“Congrats to our new WNBA champs, @ChicagoSky! I couldn’t be prouder of this team — they worked hard for this moment, and have made our city proud,” Obama tweeted.
Congrats to our new WNBA champs, @ChicagoSky! I couldn’t be prouder of this team — they worked hard for this moment, and have made our city proud. https://t.co/Da9cLtvSX4
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 17, 2021
“Congrats to @chicagosky on winning the WNBA Finals today, bringing us our first championship in franchise history!!!! The city appreciates yall!!” tweeted Chance, who also rode the double-decker bus with the team at the champion's parade, NBC Sports Chicago reports.
Congrats to @chicagosky on winning the WNBA Finals today, bringing us our first championship in franchise history!!!! The city appreciates yall!!
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) October 17, 2021
The rapper also joined the champions at the Pritzker Pavilion at Millennium Park.
"(The Sky) played together as the best team in the league, they have a chemistry like no other," he said.
Former Chicago Bulls player Dwyane Wade also sent his congrats to the team, echoing his wife Gabrielle Union's sentiments.
Wade credited Parker for going back home and winning the "chip" while Union admitted that she even shed a couple of tears of joy.
The Chicago NBA franchise also sent their congratulations.
THE CHICAGO SKY: WNBA CHAMPIONS! https://t.co/6bUKVtBWOl
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 17, 2021
And Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot joined the team at what appeared to be a celebration event.
What a moment.
Congrats champs! ????
A first but not the last for @chicagosky. pic.twitter.com/YdPx1A6011
— Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) October 17, 2021
Parker's decision to join the Chicago Sky this year after leaving the Los Angeles Sparks after 13 seasons meant she would be separated from her daughter Lailaa for most of the summer. But she said it was her daughter who kept her motivated, even in the off-season.
"She sacrifices her mom so that I can live my dream. I just am so thankful for her, that she's here for the big moments."
