Detroit Shock
Encyclopedia
The Detroit Shock was a Women's National Basketball Association
(WNBA) team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan
. They were the 2003
, 2006
and 2008
WNBA champion. As of 2010, they remain the only Eastern Conference franchise (other than the 1997 Houston Comets, who moved to the Western Conference the following year) to win a WNBA Championship.
Debuting in 1998, it was one of the league's first expansion franchises. It was also the first WNBA expansion franchise to win a WNBA Championship. The team was the sister team of the Detroit Pistons
and during the 2009 season was coached by Pistons legend Rick Mahorn
.
On October 20, 2009, it was announced that the Shock would be moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma
to play in the new downtown arena, the BOK Center
. Former men's college coach Nolan Richardson
was named the team's new head coach. The Shock roster and history was retained along with the Shock name, but the team colors were changed to black, red, and gold.
Nancy Lieberman
. The Shock would start out their inaugural season 0-4, but would put together an amazing expansion season, and finish 17-13, missing out on the postseason by one game.
In 1999, the Shock finished 15-17, in a three way tie for the playoffs with the Orlando Miracle
and the Charlotte Sting
. The Shock and Sting played a one-game playoff, which the Shock would lose 60-54.
In 2000, the Shock would finish with a 14-18 record and would once again end tied for the last seed. This time, the Shock would lose the tiebreaker and not qualify, losing to the Washington Mystics
. Lieberman was fired after the season and replaced by Greg Williams
.
After the season in the 2001 WNBA Draft, the Shock would draft Deanna Nolan
with the #6 pick. She would later develop into the team star. The 2001 Shock would finish the season with a 10-22 record, this time tying three teams for last place in the Eastern Conference.
The 2002 Shock started the season 0-10, at which point Williams was fired and replaced by former Detroit Pistons legend Bill Laimbeer
. The team finished the season 9-23, but Laimbeer's ideas influenced the team's front office, who agreed with the new coach's ideas; including bringing over some new players that he felt were necessary for the Shock to become a contender.
2-1 for their first playoff series win in franchise history. In the Conference Finals, the Shock swept the Connecticut Sun
2-0 to reach the WNBA Finals. Despite the achievements, the Shock were viewed as huge underdogs to the two time defending champion Los Angeles Sparks
, who were looking for a three-peat. The Shock would emerge victorious in the series, winning a thrilling Game Three 83-78. That game would draw the largest crowd ever in WNBA history (22,076 came to watch). Detroit, much like the 1991 Minnesota Twins
in baseball, became the first team in WNBA history to make it from last place one season to world champions the very next season.
the full three games, but would fall in the end 2-1.
The 2005 Shock were much like the 2004 Shock, playing mediocre basketball all season, posting a 16-18 record and make the playoffs as the #4 seed. The Shock would make a quick exit, as the Connecticut Sun
would sweep the Shock. 2005 would see the addition of former Piston star Rick Mahorn
as an assistant coach to Laimbeer. http://www.wnba.com/shock/news/rickmahorn_assistantcoach.html
, sweeping them in the first round. In the Conference Finals, the Shock would be matched up against the Suns once again. This time, the Shock emerged victorious from the hard-fought series, winning it 2-1. In the Finals, the Shock faced the defending champion Sacramento Monarchs
. The Shock lost game 1, getting handily defeated 95-71 at home. The Shock rallied in game 2 to even up the series 1-1. Going to Sacramento, the Shock were defeated in Game Three 89-69. With their backs against the wall, the Shock dominated the Monarchs in game 4, 72-52, setting up the crucial Game 5 in Detroit. At halftime in game 5, the Shock would find themselves down 44-36. However, in the third quarter, the Shock would outscore the Monarchs 22-9, gaining a 58-53 lead going into the final quarter. The Shock held off the Monarchs in the last quarter and win the game 78-73, and the championship 3 games to 2. They became the first WNBA team to win non-consecutive championships and to win the Finals after being down 2 games to 1. They also were involved in the first WNBA Finals to go 5 games.
In 2007, the Shock sought to defend their title and repeat, something they were not able to do in 2004 after their 2003 Finals victory. The Shock would finish with a WNBA-best 24-10 regular season record, and capture the #1 seed in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. In the first round, the Shock were heavily favored against a New York Liberty
team that wasn't predicted to make the post season. But in game 1, the Shock came out flat and were defeated 73-51. In game 2, the Shock trailed most of the game, but a late charge and missed free throws by the Liberty gave the Shock a 76-73 victory and forced a game 3. Game 3 was a battle, as the game went into overtime. In the end, the Shock would emerge the victors 71-70 (OT). In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Shock would face the Indiana Fever
, with whom the Shock were bitter rivals. Much like the Liberty series, the Shock were blown out in Game 1 75-65. Once again, the Shock rallied to win games 2 & 3 by the scores of 77-63 and 81-65. In the 2007 WNBA Finals, the Shock faced the Phoenix Mercury
, who had dominated the Western Conference all year long. The Shock won Game One 108-100 at home. The Mercury evened the series up in game 2, defeating the Shock 98-70. The series shifted to Phoenix for games 3 & 4. The Shock won a rough Game Three 88-83. With a chance to win the Finals in game 4, the Shock and Mercury battled back and forth all game. When the dust cleared, the Mercury had won 77-76, forcing a final Game 5 in Detroit. But in game 5 at home, the Shock were simply dominated, as they lost the game 108-92. With the loss, the Shock lost the series and became the first team to lose the final game of the Finals at home.
Entering the 2008 post season, the Shock posted a 22-12 regular season record, the best record in the East. In the first round against the Indiana Fever, Detroit handled Indiana in 3 games. In the east finals against the New York Liberty, the Shock would face another 3 games series, but Detroit earned the series victory, moving on to the WNBA Finals against the league best San Antonio Silver Stars. Although the Silver Stars had the best record in the league in 2008, Detroit managed to sweep San Antonio, capturing their 3rd championship in franchise history.
to advance to their fourth straight Eastern Conference Final, Once again facing their rival, the Indiana Fever
. In the East Finals, the Shock were defeated by the Indiana Fever
in three games, missing the Finals for the first time since 2005.
reported that a Shock official stated that the team would in fact be moving to Tulsa. The decision was officially announced at a press conference in Tulsa on October 20, 2009.
Women's National Basketball Association
The Women's National Basketball Association is a women's professional basketball league in the United States. It currently is composed of twelve teams. The league was founded on April 24, 1996 as the women's counterpart to the National Basketball Association...
(WNBA) team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan
Auburn Hills, Michigan
Auburn Hills is a city in Metro Detroit, Oakland County, in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 21,412 at the 2010 census. The city was formed in 1983 when Pontiac Township became the City of Auburn Hills.-Economy:...
. They were the 2003
2003 WNBA Finals
The 2003 WNBA Finals was the championship series of the 2003 WNBA season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The Detroit Shock, top-seeded champions of the Eastern Conference, defeated the Los Angeles Sparks, top-seeded champions of the Western Conference, two games to one in a...
, 2006
2006 WNBA Finals
The 2006 WNBA Finals was the championship series of the 2006 WNBA season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The Detroit Shock, second-seeded champions of the Eastern Conference, defeated the Sacramento Monarchs, second-seeded champions of the Western Conference, three games to two in a...
and 2008
2008 WNBA Finals
The 2008 WNBA Finals was the championship series of the 2008 WNBA season, and the conclusion of the season's playoffs. The Detroit Shock, top-seeded champions of the Eastern Conference, defeated the San Antonio Silver Stars, top-seeded champions of the Western Conference, three games to none in a...
WNBA champion. As of 2010, they remain the only Eastern Conference franchise (other than the 1997 Houston Comets, who moved to the Western Conference the following year) to win a WNBA Championship.
Debuting in 1998, it was one of the league's first expansion franchises. It was also the first WNBA expansion franchise to win a WNBA Championship. The team was the sister team of the Detroit Pistons
Detroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
and during the 2009 season was coached by Pistons legend Rick Mahorn
Rick Mahorn
Derrick Allen Mahorn is a retired American NBA basketball player who, at 6'10", played power forward and center...
.
On October 20, 2009, it was announced that the Shock would be moving to Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa is the second-largest city in the state of Oklahoma and 46th-largest city in the United States. With a population of 391,906 as of the 2010 census, it is the principal municipality of the Tulsa Metropolitan Area, a region with 937,478 residents in the MSA and 988,454 in the CSA. Tulsa's...
to play in the new downtown arena, the BOK Center
BOK Center
The BOK Center, or Bank of Oklahoma Center, is a 19,100-seat multi-purpose arena and a primary indoor sports and event venue in Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States. Designed to accommodate arena football, hockey, basketball, concerts, and similar events, the facility was built at a cost of $178 million...
. Former men's college coach Nolan Richardson
Nolan Richardson
Nolan Richardson is an American basketball head coach, who was elected to the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. He has coached teams to winning a NCAA Men's Division I Basketball National Championship, a NIT, and a Junior College National Championship, the only coach to do so. Most...
was named the team's new head coach. The Shock roster and history was retained along with the Shock name, but the team colors were changed to black, red, and gold.
The Early Years (1998–2002)
The Shock were one of the first WNBA expansion teams and began play in 1998. The Detroit Shock quickly brought in a blend of rookies and veterans. The Shock's first coach was hall of famerWomen's Basketball Hall of Fame
The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame honors men and women who have contributed to the sport of women's basketball. The Hall of Fame opened in 1999 in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA...
Nancy Lieberman
Nancy Lieberman
Nancy Elizabeth Lieberman , nicknamed "Lady Magic", is a former professional basketball player who played and coached in the WNBA.Lieberman is regarded as one of the greatest figures in women's basketball....
. The Shock would start out their inaugural season 0-4, but would put together an amazing expansion season, and finish 17-13, missing out on the postseason by one game.
In 1999, the Shock finished 15-17, in a three way tie for the playoffs with the Orlando Miracle
Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun is a professional basketball team based in Uncasville, Connecticut, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Orlando, Florida before the 1999 season began; the team moved to Connecticut before the 2003 season...
and the Charlotte Sting
Charlotte Sting
The Charlotte Sting was a Women's National Basketball Association franchise based in Charlotte, North Carolina and it was one of the league's eight original teams. The team folded on January 3, 2007....
. The Shock and Sting played a one-game playoff, which the Shock would lose 60-54.
In 2000, the Shock would finish with a 14-18 record and would once again end tied for the last seed. This time, the Shock would lose the tiebreaker and not qualify, losing to the Washington Mystics
Washington Mystics
The Washington Mystics is a professional basketball team based in Washington, D.C., playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded prior to the 1998 season. The team is owned by Monumental Sports & Entertainment , who also owns the Mystics'...
. Lieberman was fired after the season and replaced by Greg Williams
Greg Williams (basketball)
Greg Williams has coached college and professional women's basketball teams.He coached both incarnations of the Dallas Diamonds. In the 1980-81 season, the team went 27-9 and he was named WBL Coach of the Year. After coaching at Southern Methodist University, he was named head coach of the WABA...
.
After the season in the 2001 WNBA Draft, the Shock would draft Deanna Nolan
Deanna Nolan
Deanna "Tweety" Nicole Nolan is an American professional basketball player for the WNBA. Her primary position is shooting guard, but occasionally plays the point guard position...
with the #6 pick. She would later develop into the team star. The 2001 Shock would finish the season with a 10-22 record, this time tying three teams for last place in the Eastern Conference.
The 2002 Shock started the season 0-10, at which point Williams was fired and replaced by former Detroit Pistons legend Bill Laimbeer
Bill Laimbeer
William "Bill" Laimbeer, Jr. is a retired National Basketball Association player for the Detroit Pistons. Playing at center, the 6'11" Laimbeer was a four-time All-Star and integral part of the Pistons teams that won two championships...
. The team finished the season 9-23, but Laimbeer's ideas influenced the team's front office, who agreed with the new coach's ideas; including bringing over some new players that he felt were necessary for the Shock to become a contender.
The Building of a Dynasty (2003)
After massive changes to the roster, Laimbeer predicted before the 2003 season that the Shock would be league champions, and his prediction would unbelievably come true. The Shock would tear up the East in the regular season, posting a 25-9 record and winning the #1 seed by 7 games. In the playoffs, the Shock would defeat the Cleveland RockersCleveland Rockers
This article is about the defunct WNBA team; for the American Basketball Association team, see Cleveland Rockers .The Cleveland Rockers were a Women's National Basketball Association team that played from 1997 until 2003. The Rockers were one of the original eight franchises of the WNBA, which...
2-1 for their first playoff series win in franchise history. In the Conference Finals, the Shock swept the Connecticut Sun
Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun is a professional basketball team based in Uncasville, Connecticut, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Orlando, Florida before the 1999 season began; the team moved to Connecticut before the 2003 season...
2-0 to reach the WNBA Finals. Despite the achievements, the Shock were viewed as huge underdogs to the two time defending champion Los Angeles Sparks
Los Angeles Sparks
The Los Angeles Sparks is a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the league's inaugural 1997 season began...
, who were looking for a three-peat. The Shock would emerge victorious in the series, winning a thrilling Game Three 83-78. That game would draw the largest crowd ever in WNBA history (22,076 came to watch). Detroit, much like the 1991 Minnesota Twins
Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins are a professional baseball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. They play in the Central Division of Major League Baseball's American League. The team is named after the Twin Cities area of Minneapolis and St. Paul. They played in Metropolitan Stadium from 1961 to 1981 and the...
in baseball, became the first team in WNBA history to make it from last place one season to world champions the very next season.
Return to Mediocrity (2004–2005)
The Shock would stumble after their championship season and play mediocre basketball in the 2004 season. The Shock would post a 17-17 record and qualify for the playoffs as the #4 seed. The Shock would take the series against the New York LibertyNew York Liberty
The New York Liberty is a professional basketball team based in New York City, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was one of the eight original franchises of the league...
the full three games, but would fall in the end 2-1.
The 2005 Shock were much like the 2004 Shock, playing mediocre basketball all season, posting a 16-18 record and make the playoffs as the #4 seed. The Shock would make a quick exit, as the Connecticut Sun
Connecticut Sun
The Connecticut Sun is a professional basketball team based in Uncasville, Connecticut, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Orlando, Florida before the 1999 season began; the team moved to Connecticut before the 2003 season...
would sweep the Shock. 2005 would see the addition of former Piston star Rick Mahorn
Rick Mahorn
Derrick Allen Mahorn is a retired American NBA basketball player who, at 6'10", played power forward and center...
as an assistant coach to Laimbeer. http://www.wnba.com/shock/news/rickmahorn_assistantcoach.html
Back to the Top (2006–2008)
The 2006 Shock came out hungry and poised for a playoff run. The Shock performed well during the regular season, posting a 23-11 record and winning the #2 seed in the playoffs. The Shock went on to make quick work of the Indiana FeverIndiana Fever
The Indiana Fever is a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the 2000 season began...
, sweeping them in the first round. In the Conference Finals, the Shock would be matched up against the Suns once again. This time, the Shock emerged victorious from the hard-fought series, winning it 2-1. In the Finals, the Shock faced the defending champion Sacramento Monarchs
Sacramento Monarchs
The Sacramento Monarchs were a basketball team based in Sacramento, California. They played in the Women's National Basketball Association from 1997 until folding on November 20, 2009...
. The Shock lost game 1, getting handily defeated 95-71 at home. The Shock rallied in game 2 to even up the series 1-1. Going to Sacramento, the Shock were defeated in Game Three 89-69. With their backs against the wall, the Shock dominated the Monarchs in game 4, 72-52, setting up the crucial Game 5 in Detroit. At halftime in game 5, the Shock would find themselves down 44-36. However, in the third quarter, the Shock would outscore the Monarchs 22-9, gaining a 58-53 lead going into the final quarter. The Shock held off the Monarchs in the last quarter and win the game 78-73, and the championship 3 games to 2. They became the first WNBA team to win non-consecutive championships and to win the Finals after being down 2 games to 1. They also were involved in the first WNBA Finals to go 5 games.
In 2007, the Shock sought to defend their title and repeat, something they were not able to do in 2004 after their 2003 Finals victory. The Shock would finish with a WNBA-best 24-10 regular season record, and capture the #1 seed in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. In the first round, the Shock were heavily favored against a New York Liberty
New York Liberty
The New York Liberty is a professional basketball team based in New York City, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was one of the eight original franchises of the league...
team that wasn't predicted to make the post season. But in game 1, the Shock came out flat and were defeated 73-51. In game 2, the Shock trailed most of the game, but a late charge and missed free throws by the Liberty gave the Shock a 76-73 victory and forced a game 3. Game 3 was a battle, as the game went into overtime. In the end, the Shock would emerge the victors 71-70 (OT). In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Shock would face the Indiana Fever
Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever is a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the 2000 season began...
, with whom the Shock were bitter rivals. Much like the Liberty series, the Shock were blown out in Game 1 75-65. Once again, the Shock rallied to win games 2 & 3 by the scores of 77-63 and 81-65. In the 2007 WNBA Finals, the Shock faced the Phoenix Mercury
Phoenix Mercury
The Phoenix Mercury is a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the league's inaugural 1997 season began; it is one of the eight original franchises...
, who had dominated the Western Conference all year long. The Shock won Game One 108-100 at home. The Mercury evened the series up in game 2, defeating the Shock 98-70. The series shifted to Phoenix for games 3 & 4. The Shock won a rough Game Three 88-83. With a chance to win the Finals in game 4, the Shock and Mercury battled back and forth all game. When the dust cleared, the Mercury had won 77-76, forcing a final Game 5 in Detroit. But in game 5 at home, the Shock were simply dominated, as they lost the game 108-92. With the loss, the Shock lost the series and became the first team to lose the final game of the Finals at home.
Entering the 2008 post season, the Shock posted a 22-12 regular season record, the best record in the East. In the first round against the Indiana Fever, Detroit handled Indiana in 3 games. In the east finals against the New York Liberty, the Shock would face another 3 games series, but Detroit earned the series victory, moving on to the WNBA Finals against the league best San Antonio Silver Stars. Although the Silver Stars had the best record in the league in 2008, Detroit managed to sweep San Antonio, capturing their 3rd championship in franchise history.
The Final Shock Season (2009)
The Shock were named favorites for 2009, but they had a rough road getting there. However, the Shock bounced back in the second half of 2009 and eventually would place them in the playoffs for the seventh straight year at 18-16. In the first round, the Shock swept the Atlanta DreamAtlanta Dream
The Atlanta Dream is a professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the 2008 WNBA season began. The team is owned by Dream Too LLC, which is composed of two Atlanta...
to advance to their fourth straight Eastern Conference Final, Once again facing their rival, the Indiana Fever
Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever is a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the 2000 season began...
. In the East Finals, the Shock were defeated by the Indiana Fever
Indiana Fever
The Indiana Fever is a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the 2000 season began...
in three games, missing the Finals for the first time since 2005.
The End of the Detroit era
On October 19, 2009, the Associated PressAssociated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
reported that a Shock official stated that the team would in fact be moving to Tulsa. The decision was officially announced at a press conference in Tulsa on October 20, 2009.
Uniforms
From 2002 to 2009, the Shock's home uniforms were white with the stylized Shock name in red on the front, while road jerseys were blue with the word "Detroit" across the front in red and white. From 1998 to 2001, a more complex color scheme was used (Black, Yellow, Green, Red, Silver, White).Season-by-season records
| Season | Team | Conference | Regular season | Playoff WNBA Playoffs The WNBA Playoffs is a best-of-three elimination tournament between eight teams in the Eastern Conference and Western Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association , ultimately deciding the final two teams who will play in the WNBA Finals.... Results |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | PCT | |||||
| Detroit Shock | |||||||
| 1998 1998 WNBA season -External links:**... |
1998 1998 Detroit Shock season The 1998 WNBA season was the 1st for the Detroit Shock. The team had an 0-4 start, but by season’s end they missed out on a postseason berth by just one game in the standings.-Offseason:... |
East Eastern Conference (WNBA) The Eastern Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Eastern Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Western Conference... |
4th | 17 | 13 | .567 | |
| 1999 1999 WNBA season -External links:**... |
1999 1999 Detroit Shock season The 1999 WNBA season was the 2nd for the Detroit Shock. The Shock entered the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.-WNBA Draft:-Season schedule:-Playoffs:-Player stats:-External links:*... |
East Eastern Conference (WNBA) The Eastern Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Eastern Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Western Conference... |
2nd | 15 | 17 | .469 | Lost Conference Semifinals (Charlotte Charlotte Sting The Charlotte Sting was a Women's National Basketball Association franchise based in Charlotte, North Carolina and it was one of the league's eight original teams. The team folded on January 3, 2007.... , 0–1) |
| 2000 2000 WNBA season -External links:**... |
2000 2000 Detroit Shock season The 2000 WNBA season was the 3rd for the Detroit Shock. The Shock were very close of making the playoffs, but they fell to the Washington Mystics in a tiebreaker.-Expansion Draft:The following players were selected by the Miami Sol in the draft:... |
East Eastern Conference (WNBA) The Eastern Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Eastern Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Western Conference... |
5th | 14 | 18 | .438 | |
| 2001 2001 WNBA season -External links:**... |
2001 2001 Detroit Shock season The 2001 WNBA season was the 4th season for the Detroit Shock.-WNBA Draft:-Season schedule:-Player stats:-References:... |
East Eastern Conference (WNBA) The Eastern Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Eastern Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Western Conference... |
7th | 10 | 22 | .313 | |
| 2002 2002 WNBA season -External links:***... |
2002 2002 Detroit Shock season The 2002 WNBA season was the 5th season for the Detroit Shock. The team went 0-13 in their first thirteen games, finishing with a franchise worst 9-23.-WNBA Draft:-Season schedule:-Player stats:-References:... |
East Eastern Conference (WNBA) The Eastern Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Eastern Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Western Conference... |
8th | 9 | 23 | .281 | |
| 2003 2003 WNBA season -External links:***... |
2003 2003 Detroit Shock season The 2003 WNBA season was the 6th for the Detroit Shock. The Shock won the WNBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. This season was better known as, "From Worst To First".-Dispersal Draft:-WNBA Draft:... |
East Eastern Conference (WNBA) The Eastern Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Eastern Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Western Conference... |
1st | 25 | 9 | .735 | Won Conference Semifinals (Cleveland Cleveland Rockers This article is about the defunct WNBA team; for the American Basketball Association team, see Cleveland Rockers .The Cleveland Rockers were a Women's National Basketball Association team that played from 1997 until 2003. The Rockers were one of the original eight franchises of the WNBA, which... , 2–1) Won Conference Finals (Connecticut Connecticut Sun The Connecticut Sun is a professional basketball team based in Uncasville, Connecticut, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Orlando, Florida before the 1999 season began; the team moved to Connecticut before the 2003 season... , 2–0) Won WNBA Finals (Los Angeles Los Angeles Sparks The Los Angeles Sparks is a professional basketball team based in Los Angeles, California, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the league's inaugural 1997 season began... , 2–1) |
| 2004 2004 WNBA season -External links:***... |
2004 2004 Detroit Shock season The 2004 WNBA season was the 7th season for the Detroit Shock. They were unable to defend their title the year before, losing in the first round to the New York Liberty.-Dispersal Draft:... |
East Eastern Conference (WNBA) The Eastern Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Eastern Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Western Conference... |
3rd | 17 | 17 | .500 | Lost Conference Semifinals (New York New York Liberty The New York Liberty is a professional basketball team based in New York City, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was one of the eight original franchises of the league... , 1–2) |
| 2005 2005 WNBA season -External links:***... |
2005 2005 Detroit Shock season The 2005 WNBA season was the 8th for the Detroit Shock. Although they played mediocre basketball, the Shock barely made the playoffs, as they eventually made a quick exit from the playoffs, losing in a sweep by the Connecticut Sun.-WNBA Draft:-Season schedule:... |
East Eastern Conference (WNBA) The Eastern Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Eastern Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Western Conference... |
4th | 16 | 18 | .471 | Lost Conference Semifinals (Connecticut Connecticut Sun The Connecticut Sun is a professional basketball team based in Uncasville, Connecticut, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Orlando, Florida before the 1999 season began; the team moved to Connecticut before the 2003 season... , 0–2) |
| 2006 2006 WNBA season -External links:*******... |
2006 2006 Detroit Shock season The 2006 WNBA season was the 9th for the Detroit Shock. The Shock won the WNBA Finals for the second time in franchise history.-WNBA Draft:-Season Schedule:-Player stats:... |
East Eastern Conference (WNBA) The Eastern Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Eastern Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Western Conference... |
2nd | 23 | 11 | .676 | Won Conference Semifinals (Indiana Indiana Fever The Indiana Fever is a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the 2000 season began... , 2–0) Won Conference Finals (Connecticut Connecticut Sun The Connecticut Sun is a professional basketball team based in Uncasville, Connecticut, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Orlando, Florida before the 1999 season began; the team moved to Connecticut before the 2003 season... , 2–1) Won WNBA Finals (Sacramento Sacramento Monarchs The Sacramento Monarchs were a basketball team based in Sacramento, California. They played in the Women's National Basketball Association from 1997 until folding on November 20, 2009... , 3–2) |
| 2007 2007 WNBA season -External links:* * * * * * * *... |
2007 2007 Detroit Shock season The 2007 WNBA season was the 10th for the Detroit Shock. The Shock qualified for the WNBA Finals for the second consecutive year, losing to the Phoenix Mercury in 5 games.-WNBA Draft:-Season Schedule:-Player stats:... |
East Eastern Conference (WNBA) The Eastern Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Eastern Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Western Conference... |
1st | 24 | 10 | .706 | Won Conference Semifinals (New York New York Liberty The New York Liberty is a professional basketball team based in New York City, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was one of the eight original franchises of the league... , 2–1) Won Conference Finals (Indiana Indiana Fever The Indiana Fever is a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the 2000 season began... , 2–1) Lost WNBA Finals (Phoenix Phoenix Mercury The Phoenix Mercury is a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the league's inaugural 1997 season began; it is one of the eight original franchises... , 2–3) |
| 2008 2008 WNBA season -Season Highlights:*Candace Parker becomes the second and third player in WNBA history to dunk in a regular season game.*A fight breaks out between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Detroit Shock resulting in four ejections and ten suspensions.... |
2008 2008 Detroit Shock season The 2008 WNBA season was the 11th for the Detroit Shock. The Shock attempted to return to the WNBA Finals for the third consecutive year. They successfully won the WNBA Finals for the third time in franchise history. During the finals, Katie Smith averaged a team high 21.7 points per game to be... |
East Eastern Conference (WNBA) The Eastern Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Eastern Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Western Conference... |
1st | 22 | 12 | .647 | Won Conference Semifinals (Indiana Indiana Fever The Indiana Fever is a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the 2000 season began... , 2–1) Won Conference Finals (New York New York Liberty The New York Liberty is a professional basketball team based in New York City, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was one of the eight original franchises of the league... , 2–1) Won WNBA Finals (San Antonio San Antonio Silver Stars The San Antonio Silver Stars are a professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah before the league's inaugural 1997 season began; the team moved to San Antonio... , 3–0) |
| 2009 2009 WNBA season The 2009 WNBA Season is the 13th season of the Women's National Basketball Association. It is the first WNBA season ever without a Houston franchise, the Comets having folded in December 2008... |
2009 2009 Detroit Shock season The 2009 WNBA season is the 12th for the Detroit Shock of the Women's National Basketball Association in the United States. The Shock attempted to win the WNBA Finals, tying the record for most championships with the Houston Comets , but failed in the conference finals... |
East Eastern Conference (WNBA) The Eastern Conference of the Women's National Basketball Association is made up of six teams.The Eastern Conference playoffs is divided into two playoff rounds, The Conference Semi-Finals and The Conference Finals with the winner of the Conference Championship facing the Western Conference... |
3rd | 18 | 16 | .529 | Won Conference Semifinals (Atlanta Atlanta Dream The Atlanta Dream is a professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the 2008 WNBA season began. The team is owned by Dream Too LLC, which is composed of two Atlanta... , 2–0) Lost Conference Finals (Indiana Indiana Fever The Indiana Fever is a professional basketball team based in Indianapolis, Indiana, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the 2000 season began... , 1–2) |
| Regular season | 210 | 186 | .530 | 4 Conference Championships | |||
| Playoffs | 30 | 19 | .612 | 3 WNBA Championships | |||
Notable players
- Jennifer AzziJennifer AzziJennifer Lynn Azzi is the head coach of the women's basketball team at the University of San Francisco. Azzi is a former collegiate and professional basketball player.-College years:...
- Carla BoydCarla BoydCarla Maree Boyd is an Australian former professional basketball player in the WNBA as a forward for the Detroit Shock...
- Kara BraxtonKara BraxtonKara Liana Braxton is an American professional basketball player for the New York Liberty in the WNBA.-Early life:...
, now a member of the New York LibertyNew York LibertyThe New York Liberty is a professional basketball team based in New York City, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was one of the eight original franchises of the league... - Sandy BrondelloSandy BrondelloSandra Anne Brondello is an Australian women's basketball player who played in Australia and the WNBA before retiring to become a coach, most recently with the San Antonio Silver Stars of the WNBA. The 1.70 m Brondello is one of Australia's all-time best shooting guards...
- Dominique CantyDominique CantyDominique Danyell Canty is an American professional women's basketball player with the Chicago Sky in the WNBA.-High School and College:...
- Swin CashSwin CashSwintayla Marie Cash , better known as Swin Cash, is an American WNBA player who plays for the Seattle Storm. A prolific scorer and rebounder, as well as a capable ball handler and defender, she helped lead the University of Connecticut women's basketball team to national titles in 2000 and 2002...
, now a member of the Seattle StormSeattle StormThe Seattle Storm is a professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the 2000 season began... - Cheryl FordCheryl FordCheryl Ford is a professional basketball player in the WNBA.-Personal information:Cheryl Ford is the daughter of Bonita Ford and former NBA player Karl Malone.-High school:...
- Alexis HornbuckleAlexis HornbuckleAlexis Kay'ree Hornbuckle is an American professional basketball player in the WNBA.-High school years:...
, now a member of the Minnesota LynxMinnesota LynxThe Minnesota Lynx are a professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded prior to the 1999 season... - Tasha HumphreyTasha HumphreyTasha Humphrey is a professional basketball player. She played the center position for the Washington Mystics in the WNBA until being waived 6 July 2009. Her father is former Green Bay Packers player Donnie Humphrey.-College career:Completed her career as Georgia's second all-time scorer and...
- Shannon JohnsonShannon JohnsonShannon Regina Johnson is an American basketball player who last played for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA.-Career:...
- Ivory LattaIvory LattaIvory Latta is an American professional basketball player. A 5'6" guard noted for her three-point shooting and on-court enthusiasm, she played college basketball for the North Carolina Tar Heels...
, now a member of the Tulsa Shock - Taj McWilliams-Franklin, now a member of the Minnesota LynxMinnesota LynxThe Minnesota Lynx are a professional basketball team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded prior to the 1999 season...
- Astou Ndiaye-DiattaAstou Ndiaye-DiattaAstou Ndiaye-Diatta is a retired Senegalese women's basketball player. She is currently an assistant coach at Utah State University in the United States....
- Deanna NolanDeanna NolanDeanna "Tweety" Nicole Nolan is an American professional basketball player for the WNBA. Her primary position is shooting guard, but occasionally plays the point guard position...
- Wendy PalmerWendy Palmer-Daniel-External links:***...
- Plenette PiersonPlenette PiersonPlenette Pierson is a professional WNBA player for the New York Liberty. In the 2007 season, Pierson won the first ever Sixth Woman of the Year Award given in the WNBA.-College:...
, now a member of the New York LibertyNew York LibertyThe New York Liberty is a professional basketball team based in New York City, playing in the Eastern Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was one of the eight original franchises of the league... - Elaine PowellElaine PowellElaine Powell is a professional basketball player. A point guard, she played in the WNBA from 1999 to 2008.-College career:In two years at LSU, Powell averaged 19.1 points per game...
- Ruth RileyRuth RileyRuth Ellen Riley is an American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Silver Stars in the Women's National Basketball Association . Her Notre Dame team won the NCAA women's championship in 2001, and her Detroit Shock team won the WNBA championship in 2003 and 2006...
, now a member of the San Antonio Silver StarsSan Antonio Silver StarsThe San Antonio Silver Stars are a professional basketball team based in San Antonio, Texas, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded in Salt Lake City, Utah before the league's inaugural 1997 season began; the team moved to San Antonio... - Sheri SamSheri SamSheri Lynette Sam is an American professional basketball player currently playing in the WNBA. She was born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana on May 5, 1974 as the youngest of eight siblings, and where she was a standout at Acadiana High School. She graduated from Vanderbilt University in 1996...
- Katie SmithKatie SmithKatherine May "Katie" Smith is an American professional basketball player in the WNBA. Her primary position is shooting guard, although she sometimes plays small forward or point guard. She is the all time leading scorer in women's professional basketball, having notched over 7000 points in both...
, now a member of the Seattle StormSeattle StormThe Seattle Storm is a professional basketball team based in Seattle, Washington, playing in the Western Conference in the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was founded before the 2000 season began... - Nikki TeasleyNikki TeasleyNikki Teasley is a basketball player in the WNBA.She played college basketball at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill....
Coaches and others
Head Coaches:- Nancy LiebermanNancy LiebermanNancy Elizabeth Lieberman , nicknamed "Lady Magic", is a former professional basketball player who played and coached in the WNBA.Lieberman is regarded as one of the greatest figures in women's basketball....
(1998–2000), also served as General Manager (Hall of Famer) - Greg WilliamsGreg Williams (basketball)Greg Williams has coached college and professional women's basketball teams.He coached both incarnations of the Dallas Diamonds. In the 1980-81 season, the team went 27-9 and he was named WBL Coach of the Year. After coaching at Southern Methodist University, he was named head coach of the WABA...
(2001–2002) - Bill LaimbeerBill LaimbeerWilliam "Bill" Laimbeer, Jr. is a retired National Basketball Association player for the Detroit Pistons. Playing at center, the 6'11" Laimbeer was a four-time All-Star and integral part of the Pistons teams that won two championships...
(2002–2009) - Rick MahornRick MahornDerrick Allen Mahorn is a retired American NBA basketball player who, at 6'10", played power forward and center...
(2009)
All-Stars
- 1999: Sandy BrondelloSandy BrondelloSandra Anne Brondello is an Australian women's basketball player who played in Australia and the WNBA before retiring to become a coach, most recently with the San Antonio Silver Stars of the WNBA. The 1.70 m Brondello is one of Australia's all-time best shooting guards...
- 2000: Wendy Palmer
- 2001: None
- 2002: None
- 2003: Swin CashSwin CashSwintayla Marie Cash , better known as Swin Cash, is an American WNBA player who plays for the Seattle Storm. A prolific scorer and rebounder, as well as a capable ball handler and defender, she helped lead the University of Connecticut women's basketball team to national titles in 2000 and 2002...
, Cheryl FordCheryl FordCheryl Ford is a professional basketball player in the WNBA.-Personal information:Cheryl Ford is the daughter of Bonita Ford and former NBA player Karl Malone.-High school:...
, Deanna NolanDeanna NolanDeanna "Tweety" Nicole Nolan is an American professional basketball player for the WNBA. Her primary position is shooting guard, but occasionally plays the point guard position... - 2004: Cheryl FordCheryl FordCheryl Ford is a professional basketball player in the WNBA.-Personal information:Cheryl Ford is the daughter of Bonita Ford and former NBA player Karl Malone.-High school:...
, Deanna NolanDeanna NolanDeanna "Tweety" Nicole Nolan is an American professional basketball player for the WNBA. Her primary position is shooting guard, but occasionally plays the point guard position... - 2005: Swin CashSwin CashSwintayla Marie Cash , better known as Swin Cash, is an American WNBA player who plays for the Seattle Storm. A prolific scorer and rebounder, as well as a capable ball handler and defender, she helped lead the University of Connecticut women's basketball team to national titles in 2000 and 2002...
, Cheryl FordCheryl FordCheryl Ford is a professional basketball player in the WNBA.-Personal information:Cheryl Ford is the daughter of Bonita Ford and former NBA player Karl Malone.-High school:...
, Deanna NolanDeanna NolanDeanna "Tweety" Nicole Nolan is an American professional basketball player for the WNBA. Her primary position is shooting guard, but occasionally plays the point guard position...
, Ruth RileyRuth RileyRuth Ellen Riley is an American professional basketball player for the San Antonio Silver Stars in the Women's National Basketball Association . Her Notre Dame team won the NCAA women's championship in 2001, and her Detroit Shock team won the WNBA championship in 2003 and 2006... - 2006: Cheryl FordCheryl FordCheryl Ford is a professional basketball player in the WNBA.-Personal information:Cheryl Ford is the daughter of Bonita Ford and former NBA player Karl Malone.-High school:...
, Deanna NolanDeanna NolanDeanna "Tweety" Nicole Nolan is an American professional basketball player for the WNBA. Her primary position is shooting guard, but occasionally plays the point guard position...
, Katie SmithKatie SmithKatherine May "Katie" Smith is an American professional basketball player in the WNBA. Her primary position is shooting guard, although she sometimes plays small forward or point guard. She is the all time leading scorer in women's professional basketball, having notched over 7000 points in both... - 2007: Cheryl FordCheryl FordCheryl Ford is a professional basketball player in the WNBA.-Personal information:Cheryl Ford is the daughter of Bonita Ford and former NBA player Karl Malone.-High school:...
, Deanna NolanDeanna NolanDeanna "Tweety" Nicole Nolan is an American professional basketball player for the WNBA. Her primary position is shooting guard, but occasionally plays the point guard position...
, Kara BraxtonKara BraxtonKara Liana Braxton is an American professional basketball player for the New York Liberty in the WNBA.-Early life:... - 2008: No All-Star Game
- 2009: Katie SmithKatie SmithKatherine May "Katie" Smith is an American professional basketball player in the WNBA. Her primary position is shooting guard, although she sometimes plays small forward or point guard. She is the all time leading scorer in women's professional basketball, having notched over 7000 points in both...