Detroit tops Monarchs to claim WNBA title

09.9.2006

Detroit, MI (Basketball News) - Katie Smith came up with some big shots late and finished with 17 points and six assists, as the Detroit Shock captured the WNBA championship with an 80-75 victory over Sacramento in Game 5 at Joe Louis Arena.

Deanna Nolan led all scorers with 24 points and Plenette Pierson chipped in 16 points and six rebounds for Detroit, which won its first WNBA title since 2003.

Cheryl Ford posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards in the win.

The Shock outscored the Monarchs 22-9 in the third quarter to move in front 58-53. Sacramento tried to fight back, but Smith and company found an answer each time to fend off its feisty opponent.

Nicole Powell nailed a three-pointer with 33 seconds remaining to pull the Monarchs within three. Smith came up with the defining shot of the game, however, sinking a mid-range jumper with 14 ticks on the clock to put the game away.

Powell finished with nine points while Kara Lawson scored a team-high 17 points for the Monarchs, who came up just short in their attempt to repeat as champions.

The venue shifted from the Palace of Auburn Hills to Joe Louis Arena for this deciding game because of a Mariah Carey concert.

DET SAC

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