AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Aug. 30 (UPI) -- Kara Lawson scored 22 points Wednesday to lead Sacramento to a 95-71 rout of Detroit in Game One of the WNBA Finals at Auburn Hills, Mich.
Nicole Powell added 21 points, DeMya Walker and Yolanda Griffith both scored 17 points, and Ticha Penicheiro had six assists and two steals for the Monarchs -- who set a finals record for points, field goals (35) and three-pointers (10).
Lawson sank six of her eight three-point shots. Powell was 4-for-7 with five rebounds and three assists.
Cheryl Ford had 25 points and eight rebounds, Katie Smith scored 21 points, and Deanna Nolan scored 14 points for the Shock -- who committed 24 turnovers to 15 by Sacramento.
The Monarchs can win their second straight title with another road victory Friday night.
In six of the last nine seasons, the team winning Game One has won the title.
