Chicago Sky's Candace Parker predicts more frequent triple-doubles as WNBA evolves

Chicago SkystarCandace Parkerhad an historic feat Thursday on the 50th anniversary of Title IX, recording a WNBA record third career triple-double, but she said afterward she believes her achievement will be passed soon.

Parker's second triple-double came earlier this season, on May 22 atWashington, and her first was in 2017. Parker had 10 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists Thursday in her return to Los Angeles, where she played the first 13 seasons of her career, as the Sky beat theSparks82-59.

Parker believes players such asNew York'sSabrina Ionescu, who got her second WNBA triple-double on June 12, and Sky teammateCourtney Vandersloot, who also has two triple-doubles in her career, represent what's ahead regarding triple-doubles in the league. Ionescu had 26 triple-doubles in her college career at Oregon.

"I think the game is changing," Parker said. "I think we're gonna very soon see this on a nightly basis. We're going to see those playmakers who have the ball in their hands. So I don't know how long I'm going to hold onto this. But I'm grateful for this opportunity to play on a team where we can spread the wealth."

Parker was drafted No. 1 by the Sparks in 2008 and was a two-time MVP and WNBA champion with the Sparks. She left as a free agent for her hometown of Chicago last year, and helped the Sky win its first league title.

Last season when the Sky played at Los Angeles in June 2021, Parker was out with an injury. So this was her first time back playing in the arena where she made so many memories. It's now Crypto.com Arena, although Parker still refers to it as Staples Center.

"This is home," Parker said of Los Angeles. "This is where my family lives. It's definitely bittersweet to be back. I spent 13 years here, 13 amazing years. I wouldn't change that for anything. I have love for the franchise, the city and what we were able to do in this building."

Thursday, though, Parker made a new memory with her current team.

"I think everybody wanted it to be a good night for her," Chicago coach James Wade said.