The Shock won game one in just the way Shock fans expected: absolutely ridiculous dominance on the boards and in the paint, superior athleticism on defense, and a monstrous performance from Pierson (26 and 10).

Ford didn't play (her knee hurt) but could return Saturday; in her absence, Kara Braxton played her best game ever. Taurasi had one of her worst: she scowled a lot, fouled a lot, and finally fouled out with most of the fourth still to play.

With D neutralized, Detroit had the Mercury's number, sprinting back, setting up (sometimes, surprisingly, in a zone), and making Phoenix play a dispiriting half-court game. "I hate to say it because we gave up [100 points] but that was a pretty good defensive effort on our part," concluded Bellowing Bill.

As you might expect, things got chippy; Cappie and Nolan got a double technical. The Shock shot more free throws than the Mercury, even before the last-minute parade to the line. If that keeps up the Mercury have no chance.

Voepel turns in what sounds (to me) like an unenthusiastic column about the Shock's "big-statement basketball." Fair enough. Here's another big statement: Phoenix has to rebound out of their zone, and Diana has to keep her brain in the game when Katie Smith guards her. Otherwise-- well, expect Detroit fans to bring brooms.