Editing Detroit Shock (section)

==History==

=== The early years (1998–2002) ===
[[File:Nancy Lieberman by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg|thumb|[[Nancy Lieberman]] was the first general manager and head coach in franchise history from 1998 to 2000. She also briefly played for the Shock in 2008.]]
The Detroit Shock were one of the first WNBA expansion teams and began play in 1998.<ref>{{cite web|title=W.N.B.A. Releases 1998 Schedule|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/16/sports/plus-basketball-wnba-releases-1998-schedule.html|website=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=January 16, 1998|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703172837/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/01/16/sports/plus-basketball-wnba-releases-1998-schedule.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Shock quickly brought in a blend of rookies and veterans. The Shock's first head coach was [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame|Hall of Famer]] [[Nancy Lieberman]]. The Shock started out their inaugural season 0–4, but would put together an amazing expansion season, and finish 17–13, missing out on the postseason by one game.<ref>{{cite web|title=1998 Detroit Shock Year In Review|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/1998.html|website=WNBA.com|access-date=June 1, 2020|archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702230435/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/1998.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1999, the Shock finished at 15–17, which put them in a three-way tie for the playoffs with the [[Connecticut Sun|Orlando Miracle]] and the [[Charlotte Sting]].<ref>{{cite web|title=1999 WNBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/1999.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=May 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110514023738/http://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/1999.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Shock and Sting played a one-game playoff, which the Shock lost 60–54.<ref>{{cite web|title=1999 Detroit Shock Year In Review|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/1999.html|website=WNBA.com|access-date=June 1, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703130907/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/1999.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2000, the Shock finished with a 14–18 record and ended up tied for the last seed.<ref>{{cite web|title=2000 WNBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2000.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=February 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110208073004/http://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2000.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This time, the Shock did not qualify for the playoffs as they lost the tiebreaker to the [[Washington Mystics]].<ref>{{cite web|title=2000 Detroit Shock Year In Review|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2000.html|website=WNBA.com|access-date=June 1, 2020|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701180357/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2000.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Lieberman was fired after the season and replaced by [[Greg Williams (basketball)|Greg Williams]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Shock Drops Liberman-Cline|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2000/08/29/sports/plus-pro-basketball-shock-drops-liberman-cline.html|website=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=August 29, 2000|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701180356/https://www.nytimes.com/2000/08/29/sports/plus-pro-basketball-shock-drops-liberman-cline.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="2001 Shock">{{cite web|title=2001 Detroit Shock Year In Review|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2001.html|website=WNBA.com|access-date=June 1, 2020|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701224541/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2001.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In the [[2001 WNBA Draft]], the Shock selected [[Deanna Nolan]] with the sixth overall pick,<ref>{{cite web|title=2001 WNBA draft|url=http://a.espncdn.com/wnba/s/2001/0420/1176210.html|website=ESPN.com|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 1, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701180356/http://a.espncdn.com/wnba/s/2001/0420/1176210.html|url-status=live}}</ref> who later developed into a star.<ref name=Woodyard>{{cite web|first=Eric|last=Woodyard|title=WNBA honors Flint's Deanna Nolan as one of 20 greatest players ever|url=https://www.mlive.com/sports/flint/2016/06/wnba_honors_flints_deanna_nola.html|website=MLive|date=June 21, 2016|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=December 4, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241204114326/https://www.mlive.com/sports/flint/2016/06/wnba_honors_flints_deanna_nola.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The 2001 Shock finished the season with a 10–22 record, this time tying three teams for last place in the Eastern Conference.<ref name="2001 Shock"/><ref>{{cite web|title=2001 WNBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2001.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=November 29, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101129195325/http://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2001.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:Bill Laimbeer 2 (cropped).jpg|thumb|[[Bill Laimbeer]] was the general manager and head coach from 2002 to 2009, winning three WNBA championships in 2003, 2006, and 2008.]]
The Shock started the 2002 season 0–10, at which point Williams was fired and replaced by former Detroit Pistons legend [[Bill Laimbeer]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Detroit Shock Fires Coach|url=https://apnews.com/91ec02be3fb84f67d15625b8c66fdc2b|website=Associated Press|date=June 19, 2002|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703150600/https://apnews.com/91ec02be3fb84f67d15625b8c66fdc2b|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Laimbeer Named Coach in W.N.B.A.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/20/sports/plus-pro-basketball-laimbeer-named-coach-in-wnba.html|website=The New York Times|agency=Associated Press|date=June 20, 2002|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703042035/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/20/sports/plus-pro-basketball-laimbeer-named-coach-in-wnba.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The team finished the season 9–23, but Laimbeer's ideas influenced the front office, which included bringing over some new players that he felt were necessary for the Shock to become a contender.<ref>{{cite web|title=2002 Detroit Shock Year In Review|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2002.html|website=WNBA.com|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703170144/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2002.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2002 WNBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2002.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=July 2, 2020|archive-date=May 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110515122217/http://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2002.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===From worst to champions (2003)===
[[File:Detroit Shock and George W. Bush, May 2004.jpg|thumb|[[George W. Bush|President Bush]] with the Shock in the [[White House Rose Garden]] in May 2004 after they won the [[2003 WNBA Finals]].]]
After massive changes to the roster, Bill Laimbeer predicted before the 2003 season that the Shock would be league champions.<ref name="2003 Shock">{{cite web|title=2003 Detroit Shock Year In Review|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2003.html|website=WNBA.com|access-date=July 2, 2020|archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702191840/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2003.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Carlos|last=Monarrez|title=Top moments in Palace of Auburn Hills history: No. 5|url=https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/04/13/palace-of-auburn-hills-top-moments/100411452/|website=Detroit Free Press|date=April 13, 2017|access-date=July 2, 2020|archive-date=May 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200529095538/https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2017/04/13/palace-of-auburn-hills-top-moments/100411452/|url-status=live}}</ref> The Shock dominated the East in the regular season, posting a 25–9 record and winning the #1 seed by seven games.<ref name="2003 Shock"/><ref>{{cite web|title=2003 WNBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2003.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=July 2, 2020|archive-date=March 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307031615/http://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2003.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the playoffs, the Shock defeated the [[Cleveland Rockers]] 2–1 for their first playoff series win in franchise history.<ref name="2003 Shock"/> In the Conference Finals, the Shock swept the [[Connecticut Sun]] 2–0 to reach the [[2003 WNBA Finals|WNBA Finals]].<ref name="2003 Shock"/> Despite the achievements, the Shock were viewed as huge underdogs to the two-time defending champion [[Los Angeles Sparks]], who were looking for a three-peat.<ref>{{cite web|first=Nancy|last=Lieberman|title=Shock athleticism makes L.A. threepeat tough feat|url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/columns/lieberman/1612061.html|website=ESPN.com|date=September 8, 2003|access-date=July 2, 2020|archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702192628/https://www.espn.com/wnba/columns/lieberman/1612061.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Shock emerged victorious in the series, winning a thrilling Game 3 83–78. That game drew the largest crowd in WNBA history. [[Ruth Riley]] was named [[WNBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|WNBA Finals MVP]].<ref name="2003 Shock"/> With the win, the Shock became the first American professional sports team to go from having the worst overall record in the league to being champions in the following season.<ref>{{cite web|title=Worst to First: Shock Win WNBA Title|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/games/20030916/LASDET/recap.html|website=WNBA.com|date=September 16, 2003|access-date=July 1, 2020|archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702133341/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/games/20030916/LASDET/recap.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Return to mediocrity (2004–2005)===
The Shock stumbled after their championship season and played mediocre basketball in the 2004 season. The Shock posted a 17–17 record, qualifying for the playoffs as the #3 seed.<ref name="2004 Shock">{{cite web|title=2004 Detroit Shock Year In Review|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2004.html|website=WNBA.com|access-date=July 2, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703033918/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2004.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2004 WNBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2004.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=July 2, 2020|archive-date=January 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103223405/http://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2004.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Shock took the series against the [[New York Liberty]] the full three games, but fell in the end 2–1.<ref name="2004 Shock"/>

In the offseason, former Pistons star [[Rick Mahorn]] was hired as an assistant coach.<ref name=Mahorn>{{cite web|title=Detroit Shock Add Rick Mahorn to Coaching Staff|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/news/rickmahorn_assistantcoach.html|website=WNBA.com|date=January 6, 2005|access-date=July 2, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703033920/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/news/rickmahorn_assistantcoach.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Much like the previous season, the Shock played mediocre basketball, posting a 16–18 record, which was good enough to secure the #4 seed.<ref name="2005 Shock">{{cite web|title=2005 Detroit Shock Year In Review|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2005.html|website=WNBA.com|access-date=July 2, 2020|archive-date=July 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702153231/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2005.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2005 WNBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2005.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=July 2, 2020|archive-date=March 6, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110306115623/http://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2005.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the playoffs, the Shock got swept by the [[Connecticut Sun]].<ref name="2005 Shock"/>

===Back to the top (2006–2008)===
[[File:Deanna Nolan.jpg|thumb|[[Deanna Nolan]] speaking at the championship rally after the Shock won the [[2006 WNBA Finals]]. She was named Finals MVP that season.]]
The Shock performed well during the regular season, posting a 23–11 record to secure the #2 seed in the playoffs.<ref name="2006 Shock">{{cite web|title=2006 Detroit Shock Year In Review|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2006.html|website=WNBA.com|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=May 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190525140817/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2006.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2006 WNBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2006.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=January 3, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110103223602/http://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2006.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Shock went on to make quick work of the [[Indiana Fever]], sweeping them in the first round.<ref name="2006 Shock"/> In the Conference Finals, the Shock matched up against the Connecticut Sun. This time, the Shock emerged victorious from the hard-fought series, winning it 2–1.<ref name="2006 Shock"/> In the [[2006 WNBA Finals|WNBA Finals]], which were now best-of-five, the Shock faced the defending champion [[Sacramento Monarchs]]. The Shock lost Game 1, getting handily defeated 95–71 at home.<ref name="2006 Shock"/> The Shock rallied in Game 2 to even up the series 1–1. Going to Sacramento, the Shock were defeated in Game 3 89–69.<ref name="2006 Shock"/> With their backs against the wall, the Shock dominated the Monarchs in Game 4, 72–52, setting up the crucial Game 5 in Detroit. Due to a scheduling conflict, Game 5 was played at [[Joe Louis Arena]].<ref>{{cite web|title=It's back to Detroit for decisive Game 5|url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/news/story?id=2578389|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=September 7, 2006|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703064414/https://www.espn.com/wnba/news/story?id=2578389|url-status=live}}</ref> At halftime in Game 5, the Shock found themselves down 44–36.<ref name="2006 Shock"/> However, in the third quarter, the Shock outscored the Monarchs 22–9, taking a 58–53 lead going into the fourth quarter.<ref>{{cite web|title=Sacramento at Detroit Game 5|url=https://www.wnba.com/games/20060909/SACDET/boxscore.html|website=WNBA.com|date=September 9, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070220130606/https://www.wnba.com/games/20060909/SACDET/boxscore.html|archive-date=February 20, 2007|access-date=July 3, 2020}}</ref> The Shock held off the Monarchs, 80–75, to win the championship in five games. Deanna Nolan was named WNBA Finals MVP.<ref>{{cite web|title=Smith Helps Shock Claim Second WNBA Title|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/games/20060909/SACDET/recap.html|website=WNBA.com|date=September 9, 2006|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704050130/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/games/20060909/SACDET/recap.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2007, the Shock sought to defend their title. The Shock finished with a WNBA-best 24–10 regular season record, and captured the #1 seed in the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.<ref name="2007 Shock">{{cite web|title=2007 Detroit Shock Year In Review|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2007.html|website=WNBA.com|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703164754/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2007.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=2007 WNBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2007.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=June 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604232217/http://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2007.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the first round, the Shock were heavily favored against a [[New York Liberty]] team that was not predicted to make the postseason. However in Game 1, the Shock came out flat and were defeated 73–51.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Pretzer|title=A Nightmare in New York|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/news/DETNYL_070824_recap.html|website=WNBA.com|date=August 24, 2007|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703201012/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/news/DETNYL_070824_recap.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In Game 2, the Shock won 76–73 to force a Game 3.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Pretzer|title=Back from the Brink|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/news/NYLDET_070826_recap.html|website=WNBA.com|date=August 26, 2007|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704065047/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/news/NYLDET_070826_recap.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Game 3 was a battle, as the game went into overtime. In the end, the Shock emerged the victors by the score of 71–70.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Pretzer|title=The Heart of a Champion|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/news/NYLDET_070828_recap.html|website=WNBA.com|date=August 28, 2007|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703205749/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/news/NYLDET_070828_recap.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Shock faced the [[Indiana Fever]], with whom the Shock were bitter rivals. In Game 1, the Shock lost by the score of 75–65.<ref name="2007 Shock"/> The Shock rallied to win Games 2 and 3 by the scores of 77–63 and 81–65, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Pretzer|title=Very Much Alive|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/news/INDDET_070902_recap.html|website=WNBA.com|date=September 2, 2007|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703164806/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/news/INDDET_070902_recap.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Pretzer|title=Eastern Conference Champions|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/news/INDDET_070903_recap.html|website=WNBA.com|date=September 3, 2007|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705091803/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/news/INDDET_070903_recap.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the [[2007 WNBA Finals|WNBA Finals]], the Shock faced the [[Phoenix Mercury]], who had dominated the Western Conference all year long. The Shock won Game 1 108–100 at home.<ref name="2007 Shock"/> The Mercury evened the series up in Game 2, defeating the Shock 98–70.<ref name="2007 Shock"/> The series shifted to Phoenix for Games 3 and 4. The Shock won a rough Game 3 88–83.<ref name="2007 Shock"/> With a chance to win the championship in Game 4, the Shock and Mercury battled back and forth all game. When the dust cleared, the Mercury won 77–76, forcing a decisive Game 5 in Detroit.<ref name="2007 Shock"/> In Game 5, the Shock were dominated as they lost 108–92.<ref name="2007 Shock"/> With the loss, the Shock became the first team to lose the championship at home in WNBA history.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mercury topple Shock behind Pondexter for first WNBA crown|url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/recap?gameId=270916003|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=September 16, 2007|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703173654/https://www.espn.com/wnba/recap?gameId=270916003|url-status=dead}}</ref>

The following season, the Shock went 22–12, which was the best record in the East.<ref name="2008 Shock">{{cite web|first=Ryan|last=Pretzer|title=2008 Detroit Shock Year In Review|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2008.html|website=WNBA.com|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705184448/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/history/2008.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="2008 standings">{{cite web|title=2008 WNBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2008.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=February 2, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110202043857/http://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2008.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the first round against the Indiana Fever, the Shock defeated the Fever in three games.<ref name="2008 Shock"/> Due to the scheduling of other events at the Palace, the Shock had to play their remaining home games at [[Eastern Michigan University]]'s [[George Gervin GameAbove Center|Convocation Center]] in [[Ypsilanti, Michigan|Ypsilanti]].<ref name="2008 Shock"/><ref>{{cite web|title=Detroit Shock To Play Eastern Conference Finals at Eastern Michigan University's Convocation Center|url=https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/news/eastern_080921.html|website=WNBA.com|date=September 21, 2008|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704172303/https://www.wnba.com/archive/wnba/shock/news/eastern_080921.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the Conference Finals against the New York Liberty, the Shock defeated the Liberty in three games to move on to the [[2008 WNBA Finals|WNBA Finals]] against the league best [[San Antonio Stars|San Antonio Silver Stars]].<ref name="2008 Shock"/> Although the Silver Stars had the best record in the league in 2008, the Shock swept them to capture their third championship in franchise history.<ref name="2008 Shock"/><ref name="2008 standings"/> [[Katie Smith]] was named WNBA Finals MVP.<ref name="2008 Shock"/>

===The final season in Detroit (2009)===
[[File:Barack Obama and the Detroit Shock.jpg|thumb|[[Barack Obama|President Obama]] with the Shock in the White House in July 2009 after they won the [[2008 WNBA Finals]].]]
Three games into the 2009 season, Bill Laimbeer announced his resignation as head coach. He was succeeded by Rick Mahorn.<ref>{{cite web|title=Laimbeer resigns as Shock coach|url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/news/story?id=4260271|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=June 15, 2009|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703225630/https://www.espn.com/wnba/news/story?id=4260271|url-status=live}}</ref> The Shock struggled in the first half of the season.<ref>{{cite web|first=Cory|last=Mandina|title=Kara Braxton, Shavonte Zellous push the Shock above .500; beat the Chicago Sky 84-75|url=https://www.mlive.com/shock/2009/09/kara_braxton_shavonte_zellous.html|website=MLive|agency=National Desk|date=September 7, 2009|access-date=July 4, 2020|archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704060913/https://www.mlive.com/shock/2009/09/kara_braxton_shavonte_zellous.html|url-status=live}}</ref> However, they bounced back in the second half to ultimately finish with a 18–16 record, which was good enough to clinch a playoff berth for the seventh straight year.<ref>{{cite web|title=2009 WNBA Season Summary|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2009.html|website=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=September 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200927163056/https://www.basketball-reference.com/wnba/years/2009.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In the first round, the Shock swept the [[Atlanta Dream]] to advance to their fourth straight Eastern Conference Finals against the [[Indiana Fever]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Nolan, Zellous help Shock sweep Dream out of playoffs|url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/recap?gameId=290918020|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=September 18, 2009|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704053226/https://www.espn.com/wnba/recap?gameId=290918020|url-status=dead}}</ref> In the Eastern Conference Finals, the Shock were defeated by the Fever in three games, missing the WNBA Finals for the first time since 2005.<ref>{{cite web|title=Fever turn tables, eliminate Shock to advance to Finals|url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/recap?gameId=290926005|website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|date=September 26, 2009|access-date=July 3, 2020|archive-date=July 4, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704035800/https://www.espn.com/wnba/recap?gameId=290926005|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===The end of the Detroit era===
On October 19, 2009, the [[Associated Press]] reported that a Shock official stated that the team was relocating to [[Tulsa, Oklahoma]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Source: Detroit Shock are moving to Tulsa|url=https://www.mlive.com/shock/2009/10/source_detroit_shock_are_movin.html|website=MLive|agency=Associated Press|date=October 19, 2009|access-date=July 4, 2020|archive-date=November 16, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116131531/https://www.mlive.com/shock/2009/10/source_detroit_shock_are_movin.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The following day, the decision was officially announced at a press conference in Tulsa.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/2009/news/10/20/shock.relocate/|title=WNBA's Shock will relocate to Tulsa|date=October 20, 2009|work=NBA.com|access-date=October 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121106154420/http://www.nba.com/2009/news/10/20/shock.relocate/|archive-date=November 6, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/wnba/news/story?id=4580057|title=Shock makes move official|date=October 20, 2009|work=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press|access-date=October 22, 2009|archive-date=November 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201119021427/https://www.espn.com/wnba/news/story?id=4580057|url-status=live}}</ref>