WNBA Roundup | Shock takes showdown

NEW YORK — The Detroit Shock showed the improved New York Liberty how much better the defending champions still are.

Deanna Nolan scored 17 points and Swin Cash added 14 to lead the Shock to a 67-57 victory over the Liberty on Friday night in a matchup of teams that entered the game undefeated.

"It was definitely a statement game," Cash said. "Obviously with two unbeatens, only one can survive after tonight and we wanted to be in that role. We came in here with a little chip on our shoulder."

Plenette Pierson had 13 points and Cheryl Ford added 11 points and 11 rebounds to help Detroit rise to 5-0 for the first time in franchise history.

"We know we are the show in the league right now," Shock coach Bill Laimbeer said. "Teams want to play us, fans want to see us play, for good or bad."

Shameka Christon scored 18 points and Cathrine Kraayeveld, a graduate of Lake Washington High School in Kirkland, scored 13 for the Liberty (5-1).

New York, which led the league in shooting at 47 percent, made a mere 32 percent (21 for 65) against the Shock. The Liberty came in shooting a league-best 52 percent from three-point range, but was 6 for 20 (30 percent).

"When your shots are not falling down, we need to attack more inside," Christon said. "However, we need to be stronger and not back down to their physical ability. ... Detroit is a very good team. They've won two championships. I think as a team, collectively, we weren't ready."

Other games

Fever 74, at Mystics 69

Tamika Catchings collected 24 points and 12 rebounds for Indiana (6-1), which nearly lost an early 18-point lead before holding on against hapless Washington (0-7).

Alana Beard led the Mystics with 23 points.

Sun 88, at Comets 77

Nykesha Sales scored 26 points to lead Connecticut (4-2) past Houston (0-6). After the Comets took an 18-point lead in the first half, the Sun outscored Houston 43-15.

Michelle Snow led the Comets with 22 points.

At Sparks 90, Lynx 87

Mwadi Mabika made all four of her free throws in the final 25 seconds to help Los Angeles (3-2) beat Minnesota (1-8) in its home opener.

Taj McWilliams-Franklin led the Sparks with 20 points.