Shock Takes Charge Early in Opener

Ruth Riley was more than the Connecticut Sun could handle, even with Swin Cash and Deanna Nolan on the Detroit Shock’s bench.

The 6-foot-5 Riley had 17 points and eight rebounds to lead the Shock to a 73-63 victory Friday night over the Sun in the first game of the best-of-three WNBA Eastern Conference finals.

“It was great to be able to be more aggressive offensively, especially when the team needs you,” said Riley.

Nolan, who had averaged 16 points in the postseason, drew two quick fouls and was sidelined for a while in the first half, and Cash, who had averaged 19 points, had only five of her 15 points in the first half. Detroit still took a 44-31 halftime lead, fueled by a 12-0 run in which Riley had four points, two rebounds and an assist and Kedra Holland-Corn had six points.

Nykesha Sales led Connecticut with 22 points.

Said Riley: “It was pretty physical. They have to double-down because they’re not as tall in the post.”