Fever win Eastern Conference

September 26, 2009


Shock falls in Game 3

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INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Fever advanced to the WNBA finals for the first time, beating the defending champion Detroit Shock 72-67 on Saturday night in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.

The Fever, who had been eliminated by the Shock in this round the last three seasons, open the finals on Tuesday against Phoenix or Los Angeles.

The Fever and their Conseco Fieldhouse crowd, listed at 18,165 after Pacers President Larry Bird bought the entire balcony and gave the tickets away, roared at the finish.

Tammy Sutton-Brown led the Fever with 17 points. Katie Douglas scored 14, and Ebony Hoffman and Tamika Catchings added 10 apiece. Catchings also had eight rebounds, five assists and three steals.

The Fever made their last 16 free throws, all in the fourth quarter.

Deanna Nolan had 16 points for Detroit. Alexis Hornbuckle scored 15 before fouling out with 18 seconds to play. Cheryl Ford finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Hornbuckle drove the lane for a layup, trimming the deficit to 68-67 with 19 seconds left. Hornbuckle fouled Hoffman on the ensuing inbounds pass, and she swished both free throws for another three-point margin.

Nolan missed a 3-pointer, and the ball went to the Fever after it was tipped out of bounds.

Nolan fouled Douglas on the inbounds pass, and she swished both free throws for the final margin with 8.5 seconds left. Nolan missed a 3-pointer and Catchings grabbed an emphatic rebound as time expired.

With Catchings guarding Nolan, the Shock missed four of their last five shots.

The Fever scored the last seven points of the first quarter and the first two of the second to build a 28-21 lead. But Nolan hit back-to-back 3-pointers to fuel a 12-0 run by the Shock that put the visitors ahead 33-28 with six minutes to play in the period.

Indiana led 40-38 at intermission.

The only basket by either team over the first four minutes of the second half was a left-corner jumper by Nolan that tied the score at 40. The Shock outscored the Fever 12-9 in the third quarter to take a 50-49 lead.

Congratulations to Tamika Cathings and the Indiana Fever. They were the better team tonight and will be representing the East with the winner of the Phoenix - Los Angeles game.

Special props go out to the defending Champions, the Detroit Shock. The season began with Kara Braxton serving a 6 game suspension and Plennett being hurt and out for the season during the opening minutes of the first game. Deanna and Cheryl both were both hurt and not playing at 100% much of the season. Bill Lambier leaves a few games into the season and Rick Mahorn takes over as head coach. Mid-season the Shock had the worst record in the league. They fought their way back into the play-offs with a 3rd seed spot. Their bench stepped up their games with Alexis and the rookie Shavante Zeallous coming off the bench with great energy and spirit. Katie Smith - the leader for the Shock sat out the last 12 games due to a bad back and still this TEAM of commited ladies made their way to the Eastern Conference Finals. Nothing to hang your heads about ladies. Very proud of the way you represented Detroit. Get some rest, allow the injuries to heal, do your thing in the international leagues and you'll be back next year ready for a great season! Thanks for an awesome season, ladies!

Great job, ladies.