No Palace Coup

Coming into their game against the Mystics tonight at the Palace of Auburn Hills, the Detroit Shock were a perfect 8 and 0 at home, the only team in the WNBA undefeated on their own court. And at the end of the game, Detroit's home record was still spotless, as the Shock beat the Mystics, 79-66.

The Mystics began the game as they have so many others -- completely flat, scoring only 11 points in the first quarter, while committing 8 turnovers. At one point, in fact, the Mystics had as many turnovers as they had points. Detroit, meanwhile, scored 23 in the same period. It was just painful to listen to. Once again, the Mystics dug themselves into a hole from which they could not emerge. At halftime, the Shock led 40-27, and at the end of the third period, they were up 61-46. Washington did not lead once during the entire game.

The Mystics had absolutely no answer for Katie Smith, who nailed a whopping 7 of 9 from beyond the arc, finishing with a game-high 23 points. Three other Shock players also finished in double figures.

For the Mystics, Coco Miller had a big game off the bench, hitting a team high 15 points, while Mo Currie, with 13, was the only other Mystic in double figures. Alana Beard, who along with Taj McWilliams-Franklin reportedly chewed out her teammates after the Mystics' 14-point first half against the Fever last Tuesday, scored 8 points tonight (hitting only 2 of 10 to go along with 4 free throws). Taj had 7 tonight (and 8 boards). Overall, the Mystics shot only 39% from the field and committed 19 turnovers.

With tonight's loss, the Mystics fall to 7 and 12. They'll be back at the Phone Booth on Sunday to take on the Connecticut Sun at 3:30PM.