The Free Press parties: "So go ahead, scream it -- WNBA CHAMPION DETROIT SHOCK! -- like the 22,076 fans at the Palace did. It happened in one of the wildest, most enjoyable sports nights we have had around here in a long time."

Check out the Free Press's great photo gallery here.

It was a great night for Laimbeer. Great to see his excitement an his huge smile at the end.

The Shock were especially excited at how they shut down Leslie. "We beat her down!" screamed forward Cheryl Ford. "You lost! Go home! See ya!"

Riley, who has had an up and down career in the WNBA since her championship at Notre Dame, finally fulfilled her potential. Last night, it seemed like she hit every jumper she took from the elbow. And she netted the MVP. Said Riley, "I still don't even know what happened."

Chris McCosky at the Detroit News says Powell's steal with 2:43 left was the key play of the game, and epitomized the hustle and intensity that has made this team a champion.

And a franchise that almost disappeared now has a great future. "This is just the beginning," said Laimbeer.