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| Tuesday, April 27 Updated: May 17, 1:40 AM ET Inside the Detroit Shock |
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ANALYSIS BY NANCY LIEBERMAN  Before last season began, no one really believed Bill Laimbeer when he boasted that his 2003 Detroit Shock squad, which had won just nine games the year before, was a title contender. Now, nobody will doubt Detroit and Laimbeer after the Shock put in one of the best worst-to-first turnarounds in sports history last season. Detroit capped it all in dramatic fashion, overcoming a one-game deficit to top the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Sparks in front of a league-record crowd of more than 22,000 fans in last year's WNBA finals.
And guess what? This year's Shock are even better. Detroit is loaded with talent at every position, making the Shock one of the league favorites again this summer. All five starters -- three of whom averaged double-figures last season -- return, giving Laimbeer exactly what he wants: tough, confident players who know they can win. Expect this team to be on top again in the East at the end of the regular season. And once again, Laimbeer wants to make a bit of history along the way. Recently he has said his goal for this team is to break the regular-season scoring average -- and that's a realistic goal. Last season, with six players averaging at least 9.0 points, the Shock averaged 75.1 points (2,553 points over 34 games). That's just two points off the record, 77.3 points by Houston in 2000. So look for the Shock -- whose oldest starter is 28-year-old Elaine Powell! -- to rebound and really push tempo this season.
STARTING FIVE
Elaine Powell, PG: Underestimated by everybody except her teammates and coach; great leader and all-purpose player who can score, assist and rebound.Deanna Nolan, SG: A big-time player at both ends; is playing at a new level and with new confidence. Swin Cash, SF: This Olympic hopeful continues to redefine what a 3 can do. Cheryl Ford, PF: Opinion might be biased because I coached her in the offseason, but Ford is a guaranteed double-double (league-best 15 last season) who looks to live up to her incredible rookie season. She has worked hard on her footwork and low-post moves, and is starting to use her left hand more often when she's on the left side of the floor. The defensive and rebounding specialist was the No. 1 post option for the Dallas Fury, and she is playing with increased experience and confidence. Ruth Riley, C: After a Game 1 win in the WNBA Finals, Lisa Leslie said she didn't believe Riley could guard her. Turns out, Riley was the finals MVP. She's just a tremendous competitor.
BENCH
Chandi Jones is a younger (and quicker) version of Kedra Holland-Corn, Merlakia Jones is a smart, tough veteran who can score, and Iciss Tillis adds range with her ability to hit the 3-pointer.
QUESTION THAT NEEDS TO BE ANSWERED
There really isn't any major question looming ahead for Detroit. The Shock added good bench depth this season and their first eight players are incredibly solid. Expect the Shock to work hard to decrease their turnovers after averaging 17.9 a game last season.
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