Detroit 84, Sacramento 70
SACRAMENTO, Calif., June 6 (AP) -- Katie Smith scored 30 points, including a career high-tying seven 3-pointers, to lead the Detroit Shock to their sixth straight victory, 84-70 over the Sacramento Monarchs on Friday night.
It's been another fast start for Detroit (7-1), which has the WNBA's top record. The Shock began last year with a franchise-best 10-1 record before losing the next game to the Monarchs at Arco Arena.
Deanna Nolan had 24 points, nine assists and six rebounds for the Shock, who tightened up their defense in the second half when they outscored the Monarchs 40-22. Cheryl Ford was in foul trouble much of the game and finished with five points and six rebounds.
Nicole Powell scored 17 points and Crystal Kelly had 10 for Sacramento (2-4), which shot 63 percent in the first half when it led by four points.
Smith scored 33 points in a victory over Seattle on Wednesday and came out strong against the Monarchs as well. Shooting primarily from the perimeter, the veteran point guard was 11-for-21 from the field, and her seven 3s tied a franchise record and was one short of Diana Taurasi's WNBA record.
It was Smith's 3 with 2:01 left in the third quarter that put Detroit ahead for good at 57-54. A 16-10 advantage in the third period put the Shock in front 60-58 heading into the fourth.
Smith and Nolan connected on consecutive 3s early in the fourth quarter to extend the Shock's lead to 68-58.
Playing tough inside at the offensive end and forcing turnovers on defense, the Monarchs outscored Detroit 27-19 to assume a 48-44 lead at the half. An 11-0 run put Sacramento ahead midway through the period.
Smith, who began the season missing 19 of 22 shots over the first three games, got the Shock going early. She hit a pair of 3s and scored 15 points, helping Detroit take a 25-21 lead after one quarter.
Sacramento Kings players and watched the Monarchs lose their first home game of the season.
Arguing calls throughout the first three quarters, Shock coach Bill Laimbeer drew a technical early in the fourth following another outburst.
The Monarchs played without veteran point guard Ticha Penicheiro, who injured her left shoulder in practice this week.