RUTH RILEY, DETROIT SHOCK
How does it feel to win a second WNBA championship?
It feels great. Obviously we worked real hard to get back here and it was a total team effort to go out there and get the lead in the second half.

Which championship feels better, the first or the second?
You can’t rank any championship. Just being the best and coming out on top, it’s special.

JACQUELINE BATTEAST, DETROIT SHOCK
How does it feel to win a WNBA championship?
It feels unbelievable. It’s just like a dream but I know it’s real because I’m wet (from the champagne) and happy.

Four months ago did you ever think you would be a WNBA champion?
No. The Lord works in mysterious ways and I can’t believe it.

DEANNA NOLAN, DETROIT SHOCK
How did you feel when the game was over?
It was a relief, a big sigh of relief. At the same time it just felt unreal because we worked so hard and then the moment finally came and we won it all.

Was this the most physical series you’ve been involved in?
I think so. Both teams are known as defensive teams and rebounders.

How much of an advantage was it to being as close to home as you could be?
A big advantage, because we had the crowd behind us and I think they motivated us in that second half and gave us that momentum.

CHERYL FORD, DETROIT SHOCK
How sweet is this, you guys worked so hard?
It’s so spectacular, I’m so proud of our whole team. We’ve been up and down all season and just for us to pull together in the finals and get this championship [is special].

How did you do it [in the third quarter] on such a large stage?
We know we didn’t give our fans what they wanted in the first quarter. We knew we wanted to come out and win the third.

NICOLE POWELL, SACRAMENTO MONARCHS
What emotions are you going through right now?
I’m really angry and upset with the way we played. Detroit is a good team, but when you give a team those transition shots in the final game of the series it’s very disappointing. We were right in it and they played well and we struggled. We didn’t shoot the ball well and I’m just really upset right now. It’s a basketball game and you have to keep it in perspective. I think when I cool off a little bit it’s great to be a part of and I’m glad we made it this far. We did our best and that’s what counts.

What was breaking down when they went on that run to start the second half?
We didn’t get back in transition. They had four or five opportunities to get layups, to get easy shots, and that’s something that Detroit is very, very good at. They are a very good team and they got out, got some easy shots and got back in the game right away.

Did you feel like you still had a chance during the fourth quarter?
I feel like we did if we got stops, but we never really got them under control. We scored the same amount of baskets and when you are trying to get back you have to get shots and we didn’t do that.

DEMYA WALKER, SACRAMENTO MONARCHS
What do you think happened in tonight’s game? You have to take advantage of your opportunities. We should have put it away in Game 4. We came out and didn’t do the things we needed to do and gave them a chance to win it on their home court and they took advantage of the opportunity and that’s the bottom line. Joe Dumars was in the paper today and said the difference between champions is when a champion looses they accept that they weren’t good enough and then they go back and they do something about it to change for next year. I believe that’s how we are, we are champions in this room and we know we are going to go back and we are going to come back better next year.

What are your emotions right now?
At least we can take pride that the ladies in this locker room are hard working. We expect to be here next year.