New York-- The third time proved to be charm for the New York Liberty against the Detroit Shock. Vickie Johnson scored a season-high 21 points and Ann Wauters added 12 and 11 rebounds as the Liberty posted a 72-69 victory over the Shock. It was the Liberty's first victory over the Shock in three meetings this season. Johnson, who finished 8-of-16 from the field, gave New York (3-4) a 39-35 lead with 16:21 remaining behind a jumper and a three-point play over a 31-second span. New York extended the lead to 52-42 on a 3-pointer by Becky Hammon less than six minutes later.

Detroit (5-2), which had won the first two meetings with New York by just 11 points, moved within 70-69 with 20 seconds left behind consecutive baskets by Deanna Nolan.

After Shameka Christon made two free throws for the Liberty, Nolan's 3-point attempt with 16 seconds left went wide but Ruth Riley saved the ball from going out of bounds and the Shock called a timeout with 4.3 seconds remaining. With New York closely defending the inbounds play, Riley was forced to take the pass after setting a screen and attempted an off-balance shot from the arc that missed.

Nolan scored 16 points and Cheryl Ford recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 17 and 11 boards for Detroit, which lost to New York for just the third time in their last 11 regular-season meetings.