USA - Detroit take 1-0 lead in WNBA Finals

AUBURN HILLS (WNBA) - Reserves Plenette Pierson and Kara Braxton provided a major boost as an understrength Detroit Shock posted a 108-100 victory over the Phoenix Mercury in Game One of the best-of-five WNBA Finals on Wednesday.

Pierson had 26 points and 10 rebounds and Braxton added 19 and 12, helping Detroit inch closer to becoming the first team to win back-to-back titles since Los Angeles in the 2001-02 season.

The duo filled the gap left by All-Star Cheryl Ford, who was placed on the inactive list for this game with a left knee injury after playing in the Eastern Conference Final series with the Indiana Fever.

In the fourth quarter, Pierson's lay-up snapped a 78-78 tie and Braxton drilled a seven-footer to spark an 8-0 surge with 4:54 remaining.

Cappie Pondexter then scored five consecutive points as Phoenix drew within 92-88 at the 3:04 mark, but Pierson scored on a driving lay-up and Deanna Nolan hit two free throws for an eight-point cushion.

Katie Smith had 22 points and six rebounds and Swin Cash netted 13 for the Shock, who shot 47 percent (34-of-71) from the field and overcame 18 turnovers.

Phoenix's Penny Taylor collected a WNBA post-season record 32 points, nine boards and seven assists. Taylor shot 11-of-19.

Pondexter scored 27 points despite a slow start and Taurasi scored 10 before fouling out for the Mercury, who shot 42 percent (35-of-83).

Detroit's size gave Phoenix trouble on the glass, leading to a 48-30 edge in rebounds.

The Mercury held a 29-24 lead with 6:47 left in the second quarter until Taurasi put her team-mates in a hole by picking up her third foul, allowing Detroit to take control.

Braxton scored eight points during a commanding 17-0 burst over a five minute spell to help the Shock create a 41-29 advantage at the 1:20 mark.

Detroit led 41-35 at the break. Taurasi and Pondexter stumbled in the opening half, combining for just six points on 3-of-19 shooting.

Ian Parker
FIBA