It was fitting on Labor Day that the pride of Flint would drag the Shock back to the WNBA Finals. Tweety had 30 points (20 in the first half), 7 rebounds, and 5 assists in what Tully called "the Nolan show."

Detroit stumbled out of the gate, down 13 points within 7 minutes. "The good thing about us was there was no panic," said Katie Smith, who only made 3 of 13 in her continuing offensive struggle.

As the Shock were finding their offense, Catchings went down with an Achilles injury just before halftime. The FSN/NBA TV/webcast broadcasters quickly noted that Catch would have to return for the jump ball to remain in the game. Her return attempt was just a few steps.

Ford, the injured all-star on the Shock side, battled to have, as Laimbeer described, "15 rebounds in 18 minutes on one leg."

TSB lead the Fever with 17 points and 10 rebounds. (Former Sting -TSB, Sheri, Tangela, Mazzante, J-Mac, Darling, Cheryl Reeve... - are all over these Playoffs.)