Last Updated on September 2, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
The 2008 Detroit Shock were powered by a balanced veteran core led by Deanna Nolan, whose scoring, playmaking, and perimeter shooting drove the offense. Katie Smith added reliable outside scoring, while Plenette Pierson and Taj McWilliams-Franklin controlled the frontcourt with efficient scoring, rebounding, and interior defense. Detroit combined balanced offensive production with strong rebounding, disciplined ball movement, and physical defense, reflecting the depth and versatility of its experienced roster.
Roster
| NO. | PLAYER NAME | POS | HT | WT | BIRTH DATE | COLLEGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Ashley Shields | G | 5-10 | 155 | June 15, 1985 | Southwest Tennessee Community College |
| 5 | Elaine Powell | G | 5-8 | 150 | August 9, 1975 | LSU |
| 7 | Shay Murphy | G | 5-11 | 164 | April 15, 1985 | USC |
| 9 | Wanisha Smith | G | 5-11 | 175 | July 9, 1985 | Duke |
| 10 | Chrissy Givens | G | 5-11 | July 26, 1985 | Middle Tennessee | |
| 10 | Nancy Lieberman | G | 5-10 | 150 | July 1, 1958 | Old Dominion |
| 11 | Kelly Schumacher | C | 6-5 | 183 | October 14, 1977 | UConn |
| 14 | Deanna Nolan | G-F | 5-9 | 147 | August 25, 1979 | Georgia |
| 21 | LaToya Thomas | F | 6-2 | 165 | July 6, 1981 | Mississippi State |
| 22 | Alexis Hornbuckle | G | 5-10 | 164 | October 16, 1985 | Tennessee |
| 23 | Plenette Pierson | F | 6-2 | 195 | August 31, 1981 | Texas Tech |
| 24 | Olayinka Sanni | F-C | 6-2 | 200 | August 21, 1985 | West Virginia |
| 30 | Katie Smith | G | 5-11 | 175 | June 4, 1974 | Ohio State |
| 32 | Stacey Lovelace | C | 6-4 | 170 | December 5, 1974 | Purdue |
| 34 | Tasha Humphrey | C | 6-3 | 190 | December 29, 1985 | Georgia |
| 35 | Cheryl Ford | F | 6-3 | 195 | June 6, 1981 | Louisiana Tech |
| 44 | Taj McWilliams-Franklin | F-C | 6-2 | 195 | October 20, 1970 | Georgia State University, St. Edward’s University |
| 45 | Kara Braxton | C-F | 6-6 | 225 | February 18, 1983 | Georgia |
| 55 | Sheri Sam | G-F | 6-0 | 160 | May 5, 1974 | Vanderbilt |
Regular Season Per Game
| PLAYER NAME | POS | AGE | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TOV | FGA | FGM | FG% | 3PA | 3PM | 3P% | FTA | FTM | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deanna Nolan | — | 28 | 34 | 34 | 33.6 | 15.8 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 1.2 | 0.3 | 2.1 | 13.7 | 6.4 | .465 | 3.4 | 1.3 | .374 | 2.1 | 1.9 | .863 |
| Katie Smith | — | 34 | 34 | 34 | 33.9 | 14.7 | 2.8 | 4.0 | 0.9 | 0.1 | 2.4 | 12.1 | 4.6 | .383 | 6.2 | 2.2 | .360 | 3.6 | 3.2 | .887 |
| Plenette Pierson | — | 26 | 28 | 0 | 23.2 | 11.9 | 4.9 | 2.3 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 9.5 | 4.4 | .457 | 0.1 | 0.0 | .000 | 4.2 | 3.1 | .752 |
| Kara Braxton | — | 25 | 33 | 10 | 17.9 | 8.9 | 5.1 | 0.8 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 1.6 | 7.8 | 3.2 | .415 | 0.1 | 0.0 | .000 | 3.3 | 2.5 | .743 |
| Cheryl Ford | — | 27 | 24 | 24 | 26.5 | 10.1 | 8.7 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 7.7 | 3.7 | .481 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 4.8 | 2.7 | .560 | |
| Alexis Hornbuckle | — | 22 | 34 | 0 | 22.0 | 5.4 | 4.1 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 0.3 | 1.4 | 5.2 | 1.9 | .354 | 1.3 | 0.5 | .356 | 1.9 | 1.2 | .636 |
| Tasha Humphrey | — | 22 | 22 | 16 | 13.5 | 7.3 | 2.9 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 1.1 | 5.6 | 2.8 | .500 | 1.8 | 0.7 | .385 | 1.0 | 1.0 | .955 |
| Olayinka Sanni | — | 22 | 31 | 9 | 10.5 | 3.4 | 2.1 | 0.2 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 1.3 | 2.6 | 1.3 | .500 | 0.0 | 0.0 | .000 | 1.2 | 0.8 | .649 |
| Sheri Sam | — | 34 | 32 | 15 | 14.9 | 2.9 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 0.6 | 0.1 | 1.0 | 3.4 | 1.1 | .309 | 0.7 | 0.2 | .286 | 0.8 | 0.6 | .692 |
| Taj McWilliams-Franklin | — | 37 | 7 | 7 | 26.4 | 10.7 | 6.7 | 1.9 | 0.4 | 0.7 | 1.3 | 9.1 | 3.9 | .422 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 1.000 | 3.1 | 2.9 | .909 |
| Elaine Powell | — | 32 | 16 | 16 | 19.6 | 3.6 | 3.1 | 2.2 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 1.1 | 3.1 | 1.5 | .490 | 0.1 | 0.1 | .500 | 0.8 | 0.6 | .750 |
| Shay Murphy | — | 23 | 13 | 3 | 9.4 | 2.5 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.7 | 3.1 | 0.9 | .300 | 1.5 | 0.4 | .263 | 0.5 | 0.3 | .667 |
| Kelly Schumacher | — | 30 | 7 | 0 | 12.7 | 2.0 | 2.9 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 1.1 | 2.3 | 0.9 | .375 | 0.3 | 0.0 | .000 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 1.000 |
| Ashley Shields | — | 23 | 7 | 0 | 6.3 | 3.1 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.9 | 3.1 | 1.1 | .364 | 1.3 | 0.4 | .333 | 0.6 | 0.4 | .750 |
| Stacey Lovelace | — | 33 | 7 | 2 | 6.3 | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 0.3 | .286 | 0.7 | 0.3 | .400 | 0.9 | 0.6 | .667 |
| LaToya Thomas | — | 26 | 7 | 0 | 5.7 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 0.3 | 2.1 | 0.6 | .267 | 0.3 | 0.0 | .000 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Chrissy Givens | — | 22 | 3 | 0 | 3.3 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.0 | .000 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 1.000 | |
| Nancy Lieberman | — | 49 | 1 | 0 | 9.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | .000 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | ||
| Wanisha Smith | — | 22 | 1 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
Playoff Per Game
| PLAYER NAME | POS | AGE | GP | GS | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | TOV | FGA | FGM | FG% | 3PA | 3PM | 3P% | FTA | FTM | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deanna Nolan | — | 28 | 9 | 9 | 38.8 | 17.6 | 4.6 | 2.9 | 2.1 | 0.3 | 2.7 | 17.3 | 6.2 | .359 | 4.9 | 1.7 | .341 | 3.7 | 3.4 | .939 |
| Katie Smith | — | 34 | 9 | 9 | 34.3 | 15.3 | 4.0 | 2.4 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 1.8 | 13.0 | 5.3 | .410 | 5.3 | 1.9 | .354 | 3.7 | 2.8 | .758 |
| Taj McWilliams-Franklin | — | 37 | 9 | 9 | 32.6 | 12.9 | 7.0 | 2.1 | 1.0 | 1.3 | 1.9 | 10.9 | 5.3 | .490 | 0.2 | 0.1 | .500 | 2.4 | 2.1 | .864 |
| Kara Braxton | — | 25 | 9 | 9 | 20.0 | 8.6 | 5.3 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 1.9 | 7.1 | 3.6 | .500 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.2 | 1.4 | .650 | |
| Alexis Hornbuckle | — | 22 | 9 | 0 | 24.4 | 6.3 | 4.9 | 2.1 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 4.7 | 2.0 | .429 | 1.8 | 0.7 | .375 | 2.2 | 1.7 | .750 |
| Plenette Pierson | — | 26 | 6 | 0 | 17.8 | 7.8 | 3.0 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 0.3 | 1.8 | 6.3 | 3.0 | .474 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.2 | 1.8 | .846 | |
| Elaine Powell | — | 32 | 9 | 9 | 19.0 | 3.2 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 1.1 | .588 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.2 | 1.0 | .818 | |
| Olayinka Sanni | — | 22 | 9 | 0 | 7.3 | 1.8 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 1.8 | 0.8 | .438 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 0.2 | .500 | |
| Kelly Schumacher | — | 30 | 8 | 0 | 11.9 | 1.8 | 3.0 | 0.4 | 0.1 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 2.0 | 0.9 | .438 | 0.3 | 0.0 | .000 | 0.0 | 0.0 | |
| Sheri Sam | — | 34 | 6 | 0 | 5.0 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.2 | 0.3 | .286 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 1.000 | |
| Ashley Shields | — | 23 | 3 | 0 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.7 | 0.3 | .200 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
HeatingUp Impact Index: Regular Season Team Impact Spotlight
| PLAYER NAME | ROLE TIER | MPG | USAGE TIER | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | IMPACT INDEX | NOTES | AWARDS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deanna Nolan | Starter/Star (1.1) | 33.6 | High (1.2) | 15.8 | 3.9 | 4.4 | 1.5 | 67.06 | Detroit’s primary shot creator blended aggressive drives with timely perimeter scoring while taking the toughest backcourt assignments. Associated Press coverage regularly highlighted her ability to carry the offense in big moments, including a franchise-record 44-point performance that reinforced her status as the Shock’s offensive centerpiece. (Wikipedia) | All-Star (2008), All-WNBA First Team (2008), WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Katie Smith | Starter/Star (1.1) | 33.9 | High (1.2) | 14.7 | 2.8 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 59.24 | Functioning as Detroit’s veteran perimeter stabilizer, Smith spaced the floor and provided dependable late-game execution. During the Finals, Bill Laimbeer noted that San Antonio’s focus on Nolan opened opportunities that Smith capitalized on with decisive shooting and leadership. (Seattle Pi) | All-Star (2008), WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Plenette Pierson | Key Contributor (1.05) | 23.2 | Medium (1.1) | 11.9 | 4.9 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 48.51 | Detroit’s sixth woman changed games with physical post scoring and relentless interior energy. Even after dislocating her shoulder during the Eastern Conference Finals, independent reports praised her willingness to return quickly and maintain the Shock’s frontcourt toughness. (Seattle Pi) | Sixth Woman of the Year (2008), WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Cheryl Ford | Starter/Star (1.1) | 26.5 | Medium (1.1) | 10.1 | 8.7 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 51.58 | Ford remained the team’s rebounding anchor whenever healthy, setting the physical tone around the basket despite an injury-interrupted season. Her screening, interior defense and second-chance work remained central to Detroit’s identity. (Basketball Reference) | All-Star (2008), WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Taj McWilliams-Franklin | Starter/Star (1.1) | 26.4 | Medium (1.1) | 10.7 | 6.7 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 49.03 | Acquired late in the season, McWilliams-Franklin immediately gave Detroit another experienced frontcourt organizer. Finals coverage repeatedly credited her interior scoring and composure as critical factors in shifting attention away from Nolan. (Seattle Pi) | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Alexis Hornbuckle | Key Contributor (1.05) | 22.0 | Low (1.0) | 5.4 | 4.1 | 2.1 | 2.6 | 29.82 | The rookie guard carved out minutes through defensive pressure rather than scoring. Early-season reporting focused on her disruptive instincts after she opened her career by setting a franchise rookie record with seven steals in her debut. | WNBA All-Rookie Team (2008), WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Kara Braxton | Key Contributor (1.05) | 17.9 | Low (1.0) | 8.9 | 5.1 | 0.8 | 1.1 | 33.39 | Braxton supplied valuable scoring punch and size off the bench, often changing the rhythm with her physical low-post game. Detroit consistently relied on her to absorb frontcourt minutes while maintaining its bruising style. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Tasha Humphrey | Bench (1.0) | 13.5 | Low (1.0) | 7.3 | 2.9 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 24.20 | Humphrey flashed efficient scoring as a rookie forward and earned rotational minutes because of her ability to finish around the basket. Contemporary independent coverage of her season was relatively limited beyond recognizing her offensive potential. | — |
| Elaine Powell | Key Contributor (1.05) | 19.6 | Low (1.0) | 3.6 | 3.1 | 2.2 | 0.5 | 19.53 | Powell handled the understated work of organizing possessions and defending opposing guards. Her veteran decision-making allowed Detroit’s stars to play more naturally within Bill Laimbeer’s structured system. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Olayinka Sanni | Bench (1.0) | 10.5 | Low (1.0) | 3.4 | 2.1 | 0.2 | 0.6 | 12.60 | Sanni developed into a useful reserve through hustle and rebounding rather than offensive volume. Independent reporting on her rookie season was limited, with most discussion centering on her long-term developmental upside. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Sheri Sam | Bench (1.0) | 14.9 | Low (1.0) | 2.9 | 2.8 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 15.20 | Sam filled a complementary wing role, providing spacing and defensive depth across multiple lineups. She rarely carried offensive responsibility but remained a trusted veteran option during the regular season. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Kelly Schumacher | Bench (1.0) | 12.7 | Low (1.0) | 2.0 | 2.9 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 12.60 | Schumacher contributed situational frontcourt depth and reliable interior positioning. Independent season coverage discussing her individual role was limited due to her brief stint with Detroit. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Ashley Shields | Bench (1.0) | 6.3 | Low (1.0) | 3.1 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 7.80 | Shields appeared in limited opportunities as a reserve scorer. Contemporary independent reporting on her role remained sparse because she was outside the regular rotation. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Shay Murphy | Bench (1.0) | 9.4 | Low (1.0) | 2.5 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 10.60 | Murphy spent most of the season providing wing depth in short stretches. Limited independent coverage was available beyond roster and rotation updates. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Stacey Lovelace | Bench (1.0) | 6.3 | Low (1.0) | 1.4 | 1.0 | 0.1 | 0.1 | 5.20 | Lovelace filled an end-of-bench role and saw only occasional action. Independent reporting on her season was limited because of her minimal playing time. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| LaToya Thomas | Bench (1.0) | 5.7 | Low (1.0) | 1.1 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 4.20 | Thomas made only brief appearances after joining Detroit, leaving very little independent season analysis beyond transaction coverage. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Chrissy Givens | Bench (1.0) | 3.3 | Low (1.0) | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.7 | 0.0 | 2.80 | Givens played only a handful of minutes, and contemporary independent reporting on her contributions was extremely limited. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Nancy Lieberman | Bench (1.0) | 9.0 | Low (1.0) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 0.0 | 4.00 | Lieberman’s appearance was a historic novelty rather than a competitive rotation role, drawing attention because of her return to WNBA action at age 49. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Wanisha Smith | Bench (1.0) | 0.0 | Low (1.0) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.00 | Appeared only briefly, leaving virtually no independent contemporary reporting on her on-court role during the regular season. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| TEAM TOTALS | — | 319.0 | — | 105.5 | 50.3 | 24.5 | 15.0 | 456.43 | Detroit combined veteran shot creation, elite defensive pressure and exceptional frontcourt depth to finish atop the Eastern Conference before capturing the WNBA Championship through its balanced, physical style. | Eastern Conference Champion (2008), WNBA Champion (2008) |
HeatingUp Impact Index: Playoff Team Impact Spotlight
| PLAYER NAME | ROLE TIER | MPG | USAGE TIER | PPG | RPG | APG | STK (SPG + BPG) | IMPACT INDEX | NOTES | AWARDS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deanna Nolan | Starter/Star (1.1) | 38.8 | High (1.2) | 17.6 | 4.6 | 2.9 | 2.4 | 72.86 | Detroit’s lead scorer continued attacking despite constant defensive attention, often taking the toughest perimeter assignments at the other end as well. Associated Press coverage throughout the postseason emphasized how opponents built game plans around limiting her, creating opportunities for teammates when extra defenders collapsed. (Seattle Pi) | All-WNBA First Team (2008), All-Star (2008), WNBA Champion (2008), WNBA Finals MVP (2008) |
| Katie Smith | Starter/Star (1.1) | 34.3 | High (1.2) | 15.3 | 4.0 | 2.4 | 0.5 | 58.61 | Rather than simply spotting up, Smith became Detroit’s offensive closer during the Finals. Independent reporting repeatedly highlighted her aggressive mindset, including consecutive high-scoring Finals performances that shifted defensive pressure away from Nolan. (Seattle Pi) | All-Star (2008), WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Taj McWilliams-Franklin | Starter/Star (1.1) | 32.6 | Medium (1.1) | 12.9 | 7.0 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 58.08 | McWilliams-Franklin quietly transformed Detroit’s frontcourt after arriving midseason, providing elite positioning and veteran decision-making. Bill Laimbeer praised her basketball IQ throughout the playoffs, and her efficient interior scoring proved vital after Cheryl Ford’s injury. (Star Tribune) | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Kara Braxton | Starter/Star (1.1) | 20.0 | Medium (1.1) | 8.6 | 5.3 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 38.24 | Starting in the Finals, Braxton supplied physical interior minutes and punished smaller lineups around the basket. Game reports regularly pointed to her ability to provide timely post scoring while helping Detroit control the paint. (Seattle Pi) | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Alexis Hornbuckle | Key Contributor (1.05) | 24.4 | Low (1.0) | 6.3 | 4.9 | 2.1 | 2.0 | 32.13 | Hornbuckle’s value came from relentless perimeter defense and disruptive activity rather than scoring. During the Eastern Conference Finals she delivered several momentum-changing sequences, including five straight points after New York threatened to rally, while continuing to pressure opposing ball handlers. (Seattle Pi) | WNBA All-Rookie Team (2008), WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Plenette Pierson | Key Contributor (1.05) | 17.8 | Low (1.0) | 7.8 | 3.0 | 1.7 | 1.0 | 28.35 | Even with reduced minutes after a shoulder injury, Pierson remained Detroit’s trusted scoring forward off the bench. Contemporary coverage praised her willingness to return quickly and contribute through physical play despite not being fully healthy. | Sixth Woman of the Year (2008), WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Elaine Powell | Starter/Star (1.1) | 19.0 | Low (1.0) | 3.2 | 2.3 | 2.0 | 0.7 | 18.04 | Powell accepted a low-usage role focused on organizing the offense and defending opposing guards. Detroit relied on her experience to keep the offense composed while allowing its primary scorers to attack without excessive ball-handling responsibilities. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Kelly Schumacher | Bench (1.0) | 11.9 | Low (1.0) | 1.8 | 3.0 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 11.40 | Schumacher filled situational frontcourt minutes and was primarily asked to defend, rebound and absorb physical matchups. Limited independent postseason coverage was available because her role remained highly specialized. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Olayinka Sanni | Bench (1.0) | 7.3 | Low (1.0) | 1.8 | 1.8 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 8.40 | Sanni provided brief energy minutes as a reserve post player. Independent reporting discussing her postseason contributions was limited due to her small role in Detroit’s championship rotation. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Sheri Sam | Bench (1.0) | 5.0 | Low (1.0) | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 3.40 | Sam saw only occasional appearances as wing depth, leaving little contemporary independent analysis beyond routine rotation mentions. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| Ashley Shields | Bench (1.0) | 1.3 | Low (1.0) | 0.7 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 2.60 | Shields appeared briefly during the postseason and remained outside the regular rotation. Limited independent playoff coverage was available regarding her individual role. | WNBA Champion (2008) |
| TEAM TOTALS | — | 221.7 | — | 75.2 | 35.4 | 15.8 | 10.9 | 332.11 | Detroit won the 2008 playoffs through disciplined half-court execution, experienced perimeter leadership and a deep, physical frontcourt that adapted seamlessly after Cheryl Ford’s injury, completing a dominant championship run with a three-game Finals sweep. | WNBA Champion (2008), Eastern Conference Champion (2008) |