AUBURN HILLS, Mich., June 2 (UPI) -- Tamika Catchings scored a career-high 27 points and Nikki McCray added 21 Sunday night as the Indiana Fever completed a home-and-home sweep of the Detroit Shock, 78-65.
Catchings was the third pick in the 2001 draft and a favorite for Rookie of the Year before missing all of last season with a knee injury. She had 23 points in Saturday's season-opening victory over the Shock and continued her assault on Sunday night.
Catchings made seven of 10 shots from the floor and 12 of 12 free throws. She also collected six rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Indiana was clinging to a 56-55 run after Detroit's Barbara Farris sank a jumper with 8:51 remaining. But Catchings responded with a pair of free throws to spark a 12-0 run. Five different players scored during the burst, which gave the Fever a 68-55 cushion.
Indiana pushed its lead to 73-58 after Alicia Thompson, who scored seven points, made a three-pointer with 2:15 left.
Nadine Malcolm scored seven points and McCray pulled down seven rebounds for the Fever, who shot 52 percent from the floor and held a 30-19 rebounding advantage.
Indiana also made 29 of 31 free throws to overcome 23 turnovers.
Wendy Palmer scored 16 points and Astou Ndiaye-Diatta added 15 for Detroit.
