The Shock came to Charlotte and had not so much a game as a bad dream: 26 turnovers, 13-27 free throw shooting, a blown first-half lead, and a last-minute tie which Cheryl Ford failed to break, missing both free throws. Ford had 14 points and 14 boards, but set an apparent WNBA record by going 0-8 from the line.

Charlotte won in double overtime. Ford, Sutton-Brown, and Goodson all fouled out.

Sheri Sam scored 26, including key late buckets. "Coach was just calling my number," she said.

Shock coach Laimbeer: "The way [the Sting] played before was very boring, it was quite painful to watch... They can push the ball, they have good athletes and that's what they're going to try to do."

Coach Muggsy: "Bill, he's cocky. I'm sure they already had this game as a win on their calendar, but we spoiled that."