LA Sparks Candice Parker Wins 2013 WNBA MVP Award

Los Angeles forward Candace Parker has won the WNBA MVP award, The Associated Press is reporting, citing a source.

Parker will receive the award Thursday night in Los Angeles before the Sparks-Phoenix Mercury opener of their Western Conference playoff series, the source said. The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made.

Parker edged out Minnesota's Maya Moore and Chicago's Elena Delle Donne in one of the closest ballots in league history, according to the source. The league's awards are voted on by a 39-member national media panel.

The 27-year-old Parker averaged 17.9 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists a game in helping the Sparks (24-10) finish second in the Western Conference.

It's the second MVP award for Parker, who also won it her rookie year.

Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press

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