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Smith helps Shock bounce back vs. Sparks

Jun 19, 2007 - 5:06 AM LOS ANGELES (Ticker) -- Katie Smith scored seven of her 18 points in the fourth quarter as the Detroit Shock held on for a 79-73 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks on Monday night.

Deanna Nolan netted 15 points and Kara Braxton added 12 and eight rebounds for Detroit (8-1), which bounced back after picking up its first loss of the season to Indiana on Saturday.

The Shock were without All-Star forward Cheryl Ford, who is sidelined due to a strained left knee.

The Shock jumped out to a commanding 48-37 lead at intermission as they shot 54 percent (19-of-35) from the field in the opening half. Shannon Johnson led the way, scoring all of her 10 points before the break.

But Los Angeles stormed back in the third quarter, outscoring Detroit 25-13 to grab a 62-61 advantage at the start of the decisive fourth period.

Smith scored seven straight points as Detroit took the lead for good at 77-73 with 59 seconds remaining.

LaToya Thomas scored 19 points and Taj McWilliams-Franklin chipped in 17 and a season-high 11 boards for the Sparks, who shot 38 percent (27-of-71).