UNCASVILLE, Conn., May 27 (Ticker) -- Katie Smith was not interested in letting the Connecticut Sun continue their strong start.

Smith hit a game-tying 3-pointer in the closing seconds of regulation and finished with 23 points as the Detroit Shock claimed a 77-73 overtime victory over the Sun in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference finals.

NBA TV highlights from Shock-Sun: Play

Looking for a 3-0 start, Connecticut appeared in control after rallying from a large deficit in the first half. On the strength of an 8-1 run, the Sun built a 67-61 lead on a 3-pointer by Katie Douglas with 1:44 to play in the fourth quarter.

One of just three teams to beat Connecticut at Mohegan Sun Arena last year, Detroit hung tough, forcing overtime after Smith hit a 3-pointer from just right of the key with 1.3 seconds left.

In the extra session, the Shock scored the first six points to grab a 75-69 edge with less than two minutes remaining. The Sun cut that deficit to 75-73 on a runner in the lane by Douglas with 1:14 left, but Smith converted two free throws with less than a second remaining to seal the win.

Smith finished 4-of-9 from the arc and Cheryl Ford scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for Detroit, who held a 50-33 advantage on the boards.

Douglas had 18 points and Nykesha Sales chipped in 17 for Connecticut, which shot 33 percent (25-of-75).