Auburn Hills-- Nicole Powell paced a balanced attack for the Sacramento Monarchs, who may be needing more balance in the future. On a night where leading scorer DeMya Walker went down with a knee injury, Powell scored 17 points to lead five players in double figures as the Monarchs rolled to an 80-63 victory over the Detroit Shock. Averaging 14.8 points per game, Walker went down with an apparent right knee injury with 16:05 remaining. Already wearing a brace on the knee, she had to be helped off the court, finishing with 10 points. Walker scored four points in a 10-0 burst that opened the game. Sacramento never trailed, shooting 53 percent (29-of-55) from the field and forcing 22 turnovers. Yolanda Griffith scored 15 points and Rebekkah Brunson added 14 off the bench for the Monarchs, who improved to 3-1 on their road trip which ends Sunday in Seattle. Sacramento held a 38-31 halftime advantage and led by at least seven points in the second half. Detroit closed to 68-61 before a 3-pointer by Ticha Penicheiro rebuilt the margin to double digits with 2:31 to play.

Recently acquired Plenette Pierson scored 22 points off the bench and Deanna Nolan added 14 for the Shock, who have lost five of their last six games. Detroit coach Bill Laimbeer was ejected for arguing with 3:49 left in the first half. Assistant Rick Mahorn also drew a technical foul in the final minute.