Detroit Shock made it to the WNBA finals for the third straight year, and the fourth time in six years, after beating New York Liberty 75-73 in Monday night’s decider. They face the San Antonio Silver Stars in the best-of-five series, starting tonight in San Antonio.

Deanna Nolan led the Shock in scoring in all play-offs games, and ranks No.1 scorer in these play-offs overall with 21 points per game.

This season has not been easy for Detroit, with Cheryl Ford’s out-for-the-season knee injury and Plenette Pearson’s shoulder damage, plus the suspensions after the infamous brawl in the game against Los Angeles that made it necessary to sign Nancy Lieberman to complete their roster. There was less marketing and more competition insight when signing Taj McWilliams-Franklin, who was a key trade for the performance of the team, bringing balance to Detroit’s frontcourt and backcourt.

The Shock defeated Indiana in the first round and, after losing the first game of the Eastern Conference final against New York Liberty, they won both games at home to reach the finals. Even “home” changed for them as the Palace of Auburn Hills couldn’t be used so they played these last games – and will play at least one in the finals – at the Eastern Michigan University court.

No doubt about Detroit’s chances of winning the title, as they have a four-times finalist experience, but San Antonio’s 24 regular season wins – two more than Detroit – and their 2-0 balance against the Shock this year will make this one an exciting fight.

If Becky Hammon and Sophia Young lead San Antonio to the title, they would be the seventh different champions in WNBA history. If Detroit reigns again, they would be the second team, after Houston, to achieve three titles.