Awesome game. Detroit is the champion, the first ever from the East. And they won before a crowd of over 22,000, the biggest ever.

Ruth Riley was off the damn hook. 27 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks. Great coaching by Laimbeer, who put Riley at the elbow, in the seam of LA's 2-3 zone.

Nolan hit the key three-pointer to put the Shock up for good. A great finish.

Leslie shot only 5-19, and she fouled out at the end. She and her teammates may well complain about the foul disparity, which was significant, though not huge. But there was lots of rough physical play underneath -- some questionable calls both ways, and some missed calls both ways. The refs didn't determine the outcome.

It was Detroit's energy that was the difference. It was great to see. Worst to first, and the dawn of a new power.