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Shock-Lynx Preview

Sep 8, 2009 - 4:41 PM By PAUL DIGIACOMO STATS Senior Editor

Detroit (16-15) at Minnesota (13-18), 8:00 p.m. EDT

Less than a month ago, the Detroit Shock looked like they were going to miss the postseason for the first time since 2002. With less than a week left in the regular season, though, the defending WNBA champions are on the verge of securing a playoff spot.

Detroit looks to continue its strong play Wednesday night when it visits the playoff-hopeful Minnesota Lynx.

The Shock (16-15) reached the Eastern Conference finals for the fourth straight time in 2008 and won their third WNBA title in six years, but this season didn't get off to such a great start.

Coach Bill Laimbeer resigned three games into the season June 15 and Detroit has dealt with numerous injuries. The Shock were in last place for most of the year, but have won seven of eight to move above .500 for the first time this season.

Detroit is also in position to reach the postseason, as it owns a 1 1/2-game lead over Chicago, Washington and Connecticut for the third spot in the East. The Shock trail second-place Atlanta by one-half game.

"We knew we could do this, because we were beating ourselves every night in the first half of the season," guard Deanna Nolan said. "There were maybe four games where we thought the other team had beaten us instead of us doing it to ourselves."

Nolan has been a big part of Detroit's turnaround. The 5-foot-10 veteran, leading the Shock with 16.6 points per game, has averaged 39.8 minutes with Katie Smith (back) sidelined the past four.

Nolan had 19 points and eight rebounds in Sunday's crucial 84-75 victory over the Sky.

"This just feels normal to me," Nolan said. "I'm going to do whatever it takes to help us win games."

Smith, who began her WNBA career with Minnesota in 1999, is second on the Shock with 13.7 points per game.

"We need to get Smith back, but these young ladies have stepped up and given us a chance to rest her," said coach Rick Mahorn, who said Smith's status is day-to-day.

The struggling Lynx (13-18) are in a tight race with Los Angeles and San Antonio for the final two playoff spots in the West. They won for the third time in 14 games Saturday night, 76-68 over Seattle.

"That's exactly what we needed," coach Jennifer Gillom said. "To me it showed a lot of character. I love the way this team handled adversity."

The Lynx haven't reached the playoffs since 2004 and will finish with a losing record for the fifth straight season.

Nolan scored 22 to lead Detroit to a 91-83 home win over Minnesota on July 31.