UNCASVILLE, Conn., Aug. 27 (Ticker) -- The Detroit Shock anchored their offense to the higher-percentage shot and it got them to the WNBA Finals.

Swin Cash scored and Katie Smith scored 16 points apiece as the Shock cruised to a surprising 79-55 victory over the Connecticut Sun in the decisive third game of the Eastern Conference Finals.

NBA TV highlights from Shock-Sun: Play

Cheryl Ford collected 10 points, eight rebounds, four steals and three blocks for Detroit, which advanced to the Finals for the first time since winning the title in 2003. The Shock will host the defending champion Sacramento Monarchs in Game 1 on Wednesday.

The second-seeded Shock imposed their will by limiting the first-place Sun to an abundance of missed outside shots while dominating the category of points in the paint. Detroit forced Connecticut into just 31 percent (21-of-68) shooting, including 6-of-25 from the arc. The visitors held a 42-16 cushion in paint points and shot a respectable 45 percent (32-of-71) overall.

This contest was decided in the third quarter.

The Shock led, 46-37, at the half and increased that margin with a 14-6 burst to start the third for a 60-43 cushion with 2:41 left in the frame. Detroit entered the final period in front, 63-45, and maintained a double-digit lead in the closing quarter.

Taj McWilliams-Franklin scored 12 points and Lindsay Whalen added 10, but committed seven turnovers for Connecticut, which was denied a third straight trip to the Finals.

Nykesha Sales, the second leading scorer during the regular season for the Sun, was held scoreless in 23 minutes on 0-of-5 shooting.