The Shock's Katie Smith explains herself. At 33, "I have that tie to the old and the new," she says. (And now she has a WNBA ring.)

Also in Detroit, Monarchs seem bummed out about their opening day rematch with the team that defeated them for the title last year. Ticha: "It brings back bad memories. But it's important that we feel that pain."

Ring Day! National TV! Braxton's return from Turkey! Cameras! Action! Coach Laimbeer worries a bit: "Lots of distractions going on," he admits.