Shocked...what is wrong with Detroit?
 
Last year, the Shock were the best team in transition. Their half court offense flowed really well with Kedra Holland-Corn in the game because she was an incredibly consistent three-point threat (over 40%) and led the team in three-point baskets made. More importantly, her status as a threat opened up the floor for players like Nolan to hit open threes. As a team Detroit shot 39% from three in 2003 (3.7 made threes per game, 125 made total, with KHC and Nolan combining for 98 of them).
 
Contraction has allowed teams to catch up with Detroit's speed and athleticism. And without KHC, Nolan is the only three point option. She is not getting the open looks because there is no other consistent threat from the perimeter. As a result, Nolan is taking contested threes, and her shooting percentage from the perimeter has plummeted.  This year, Detroit is shooting 30% from three and is only making 1.8 three point shots per game. Total offense is down, from 75 ppg in 2003 to 70 ppg in 2004.
 
Also, KHC was a very good defender...quick and athletic. Without her, Detroit is allowing teams to shoot much better from three. Last year, opponents only shot 29.8 percent from three against the Shock. This year, opponents are shooting 35 percent from three.
 
Hence, Detroit scrapping to get back to .500 this year after leading the league in wins last year.