Detroit Shock
Template:Short description Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox basketball club The Detroit Shock were a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. They were the 2003, 2006, and 2008 WNBA champions.
Debuting in 1998, the Shock were one of the league's first expansion franchises. They were also the first WNBA expansion franchise to win a WNBA championship. The team was the sister team of the Detroit Pistons and from 2002 to 2009 was coached by Pistons legend Bill Laimbeer.
In October 2009, the Shock were relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to become the Tulsa Shock. Detroit team's roster, history, and nickname were retained. In July 2015, the Shock relocated to become the Dallas Wings.
History
The early years (1998–2002)
The Detroit Shock were one of the first WNBA expansion teams and began play in 1998.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The league held their first expansion draft for the Shock and the Washington Mystics on February 18, 1998.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The Shock quickly brought in a blend of rookies and veterans. The Shock's first head coach was Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman. The Shock started out their inaugural season 0–4, but would put together an amazing expansion season, and finish 17–13, missing out on the postseason by one game.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 1999, the Shock finished at 15–17, which put them in a three-way tie for the playoffs with the Orlando Miracle and the Charlotte Sting.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Shock and Sting played a one-game playoff, which the Shock lost 60–54.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2000, the Shock finished with a 14–18 record and ended up tied for the last seed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This time, the Shock did not qualify for the playoffs as they lost the tiebreaker to the Washington Mystics.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Lieberman was fired after the season and replaced by Greg Williams.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="2001 Shock">Template:Cite web</ref>
In the 2001 WNBA draft, the Shock selected Deanna Nolan with the sixth overall pick,<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> who later developed into a star.<ref name=Woodyard>Template:Cite web</ref> The 2001 Shock finished the season with a 10–22 record, this time tying three teams for last place in the Eastern Conference.<ref name="2001 Shock"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
.jpg){kind=link}
The Shock started the 2002 season 0–10, at which point Williams was fired and replaced by former Detroit Pistons legend Bill Laimbeer.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The team finished the season 9–23, but Laimbeer's ideas influenced the front office, which included bringing over some new players that he felt were necessary for the Shock to become a contender.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
From worst to champions (2003)
After massive changes to the roster, Bill Laimbeer predicted before the 2003 season that the Shock would be league champions.<ref name="2003 Shock">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Shock dominated the East in the regular season, posting a 25–9 record and winning the #1 seed by seven games.<ref name="2003 Shock"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the playoffs, the Shock defeated the Cleveland Rockers 2–1 for their first playoff series win in franchise history.<ref name="2003 Shock"/> In the Conference Finals, the Shock swept the Connecticut Sun 2–0 to reach the WNBA Finals.<ref name="2003 Shock"/> Despite the achievements, the Shock were viewed as huge underdogs to the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Sparks, who were looking for a three-peat.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Shock emerged victorious in the series, winning a thrilling Game 3 83–78. That game drew the largest crowd in WNBA history. Ruth Riley was named WNBA Finals MVP.<ref name="2003 Shock"/> With the win, the Shock became the first American professional sports team to go from having the worst overall record in the league to being champions in the following season.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Return to mediocrity (2004–2005)
The Shock stumbled after their championship season and played mediocre basketball in the 2004 season. The Shock posted a 17–17 record, qualifying for the playoffs as the #3 seed.<ref name="2004 Shock">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Shock took the series against the New York Liberty the full three games, but fell in the end 2–1.<ref name="2004 Shock"/>
In the offseason, former Pistons star Rick Mahorn was hired as an assistant coach.<ref name=Mahorn>Template:Cite web</ref> Much like the previous season, the Shock played mediocre basketball, posting a 16–18 record, which was good enough to secure the #4 seed.<ref name="2005 Shock">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the playoffs, the Shock got swept by the Connecticut Sun.<ref name="2005 Shock"/>
Back to the top (2006–2008)
The Shock performed well during the regular season, posting a 23–11 record to secure the #2 seed in the playoffs.<ref name="2006 Shock">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Shock went on to make quick work of the Indiana Fever, sweeping them in the first round.<ref name="2006 Shock"/> In the Conference Finals, the Shock matched up against the Connecticut Sun. This time, the Shock emerged victorious from the hard-fought series, winning it 2–1.<ref name="2006 Shock"/> In the WNBA Finals, which were now best-of-five, the Shock faced the defending champion Sacramento Monarchs. The Shock lost Game 1, getting handily defeated 95–71 at home.<ref name="2006 Shock"/> The Shock rallied in Game 2 to even up the series 1–1. Going to Sacramento, the Shock were defeated in Game 3 89–69.<ref name="2006 Shock"/> With their backs against the wall, the Shock dominated the Monarchs in Game 4, 72–52, setting up the crucial Game 5 in Detroit. Due to a scheduling conflict, Game 5 was played at Joe Louis Arena.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> At halftime in Game 5, the Shock found themselves down 44–36.<ref name="2006 Shock"/> However, in the third quarter, the Shock outscored the Monarchs 22–9, taking a 58–53 lead going into the fourth quarter.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Shock held off the Monarchs, 80–75, to win the championship in five games. Deanna Nolan was named WNBA Finals MVP.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2007, the Shock sought to defend their title. The Shock finished with a WNBA-best 24–10 regular season record, and captured the #1 seed in the playoffs for the second time in franchise history.<ref name="2007 Shock">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the first round, the Shock were heavily favored against a New York Liberty team that was not predicted to make the postseason. However in Game 1, the Shock came out flat and were defeated 73–51.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In Game 2, the Shock won 76–73 to force a Game 3.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Game 3 was a battle, as the game went into overtime. In the end, the Shock emerged the victors by the score of 71–70.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Shock faced the Indiana Fever, with whom the Shock were bitter rivals. In Game 1, the Shock lost by the score of 75–65.<ref name="2007 Shock"/> The Shock rallied to win Games 2 and 3 by the scores of 77–63 and 81–65, respectively.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the WNBA Finals, the Shock faced the Phoenix Mercury, who had dominated the Western Conference all year long. The Shock won Game 1 108–100 at home.<ref name="2007 Shock"/> The Mercury evened the series up in Game 2, defeating the Shock 98–70.<ref name="2007 Shock"/> The series shifted to Phoenix for Games 3 and 4. The Shock won a rough Game 3 88–83.<ref name="2007 Shock"/> With a chance to win the championship in Game 4, the Shock and Mercury battled back and forth all game. When the dust cleared, the Mercury won 77–76, forcing a decisive Game 5 in Detroit.<ref name="2007 Shock"/> In Game 5, the Shock were dominated as they lost 108–92.<ref name="2007 Shock"/> With the loss, the Shock became the first team to lose the championship at home in WNBA history.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The following season, the Shock went 22–12, which was the best record in the East.<ref name="2008 Shock">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="2008 standings">Template:Cite web</ref> In the first round against the Indiana Fever, the Shock defeated the Fever in three games.<ref name="2008 Shock"/> Due to the scheduling of other events at the Palace, the Shock had to play their remaining home games at Eastern Michigan University's Convocation Center in Ypsilanti.<ref name="2008 Shock"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the Conference Finals against the New York Liberty, the Shock defeated the Liberty in three games to move on to the WNBA Finals against the league best San Antonio Silver Stars.<ref name="2008 Shock"/> Although the Silver Stars had the best record in the league in 2008, the Shock swept them to capture their third championship in franchise history.<ref name="2008 Shock"/><ref name="2008 standings"/> Katie Smith was named WNBA Finals MVP.<ref name="2008 Shock"/>
The final season in Detroit (2009)
Three games into the 2009 season, Bill Laimbeer announced his resignation as head coach. He was succeeded by Rick Mahorn.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Shock struggled in the first half of the season.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, they bounced back in the second half to ultimately finish with a 18–16 record, which was good enough to clinch a playoff berth for the seventh straight year.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the first round, the Shock swept the Atlanta Dream to advance to their fourth straight Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Fever.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Shock were defeated by the Fever in three games, missing the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2005.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
The end of the Detroit era
On October 19, 2009, the Associated Press reported that a Shock official stated that the team was relocating to Tulsa, Oklahoma.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The following day, the decision was officially announced at a press conference in Tulsa.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Revival
Template:Main On June 30, 2025, Detroit was officially announced as one of three cities to receive new WNBA teams, along with Cleveland and Philadelphia. Detroit is scheduled to begin play in 2029 at Little Caesars Arena.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Team identity
Logo and uniforms
From 2002 to 2009, the Shock's home uniforms were white with the stylized Shock name in red on the front, while road jerseys were blue with the word "Detroit" across the front in red and white. From 1998 to 2001, a more complex color scheme of teal, yellow and red was used.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Season-by-season record
Players
Basketball Hall of Fame members
| colspan="10" style="Template:NBA color cell;"|Detroit Shock Hall of Famers | ||||
| colspan="10" style="Template:NBA color cell2;"|Players | ||||
| No. | Name | Position | Tenure | Inducted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32 | Swin Cash | F | 2002–2007 | 2022<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 10 | Nancy Lieberman 1 | G | 2008 | 1996<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 30 | Katie Smith | G/F | 2006–2009 | 2018<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 8 | Lynette Woodard | G | 1998 | 2004<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
Notes:
- 1 Lieberman signed a seven-day contract in 2008.<ref name=Lieberman>Template:Cite web</ref>
FIBA Hall of Famers
| colspan="5" style="Template:NBA color cell"|Detroit Shock Hall of Famers | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| colspan="5" style="Template:NBA color cell2"|Players | ||||
| No. | Name | Position | Tenure | Inducted |
| 12 | Razija Mujanović | C | 1999 | 2017<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
Coaches and others
Head coaches:
- Nancy Lieberman (1998–2000)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Greg Williams (2001–2002)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Bill Laimbeer (2002–2009)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Rick Mahorn (2009)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
General managers:
- Nancy Lieberman (1998–2000)<ref name=Lieberman/>
- Greg Williams (2001–2002)<ref name="2001 Shock"/>
- Bill Laimbeer (2002–2009)<ref name=Resigns>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Cheryl Reeve (2009)<ref name=Resigns/>
Assistant coaches
- Laurie Byrd (2003–2005)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Earl Cureton (2009)<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Korie Hlede (2003–2004)<ref name="H">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Rick Mahorn (2005–2009)<ref name=Mahorn/><ref name=Resigns/>
- Cheryl Reeve (2006–2009)<ref name=Resigns/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Individual records and awards
Individual awards
Template:Columns-start WNBA Finals MVP
- Ruth Riley – 2003<ref name="WNBA Finals MVP">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Deanna Nolan – 2006<ref name="WNBA Finals MVP"/>
- Katie Smith – 2008<ref name="WNBA Finals MVP"/>
- Cheryl Ford – 2003<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Plenette Pierson – 2007<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Bill Laimbeer – 2003<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Template:Column All-WNBA First Team
- Deanna Nolan – 2005, 2007<ref name="All WNBA Team">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Cindy Brown – 1998<ref name="All WNBA Team"/>
- Swin Cash – 2003, 2004<ref name="All WNBA Team"/>
- Cheryl Ford – 2003, 2006<ref name="All WNBA Team"/>
- Deanna Nolan – 2003, 2008, 2009<ref name="All WNBA Team"/>
Template:Column WNBA All-Defensive First Team
- Deanna Nolan – 2007<ref name="All Defensive Team">Template:Cite web</ref>
WNBA All-Defensive Second Team
- Cheryl Ford – 2006<ref name="All Defensive Team"/>
- Deanna Nolan – 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009<ref name="All Defensive Team"/>
- Katie Smith – 2008<ref name="All Defensive Team"/>
- Kara Braxton – 2005<ref name="All Rookie Team">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Shavonte Zellous – 2009<ref name="All Rookie Team"/>
- Sandy Brondello – 1998<ref name="Peak Performers">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Cheryl Ford – 2005, 2006<ref name="Peak Performers"/>
WNBA All-Star Game
All-Stars
- 1999: Sandy Brondello<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2000: Wendy Palmer<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2001: None<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2002: None<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2003: Swin Cash, Cheryl Ford, Deanna Nolan<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2004: Cheryl Ford, Deanna Nolan<ref name="Radio City">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2005: Swin Cash, Cheryl Ford, Deanna Nolan, Ruth Riley<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2006: Cheryl Ford, Deanna Nolan, Katie Smith<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2007: Cheryl Ford, Deanna Nolan, Kara Braxton<ref name="2007 All-Stars">Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2008: No All-Star Game<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- 2009: Katie Smith<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Head coach
- Bill Laimbeer – 2004, 2007<ref name="Radio City"/><ref name="2007 All-Stars"/>
- Cheryl Ford – 2007<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>