NEW YORK, May 26 (Ticker) -- Becky Hammon and the New York Liberty sent a message that the Eastern Conference race could be different this season.

Hammon scored 10 of her 12 points after halftime as the Liberty posted a 64-52 victory over the Detroit Shock.

NBA TV highlights from Shock-Liberty: 56k | 300k Vickie Johnson posted 11 points against Detroit on Wednesday. Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images

In a matchup of the last two East champions, New York defeated the reigning WNBA champions to avenge four losses to Detroit last season. It was especially sweet for Hammon, who suffered a season-ending ACL injury on June 27, 2003 against Detroit.

Crystal Robinson's 3-pointer triggered an 11-2 run to snap a 38-38 tie just over two minutes into the second half. Hammon nailed a 3-pointer and Robinson added a short jumper to cap the burst for a 49-40 advantage with just under 14 minutes remaining.

New York placed all five starters in double figures with Robinson and Tari Phillips each scoring 12 points. The Liberty converted 25 turnovers into 20 points.

Cheryl Ford fouled out with 12 points and 14 rebounds and was the only Shock player to reach double figures. Star forward Swin Cash managed just seven points on 2-of-7 shooting to go with nine turnovers.