2003 WNBA Playoffs

The Detroit Shock won two games by a combined six points to upset the Los Angeles Sparks and capture their first title.

2003 WNBA Finals MVP Ruth Riley went off in the second half of Game Three to lead the Shock to its first ever WNBA Championship. Despite having the best record in the WNBA, few gave the Shock a chance against the two-time defending champion Los Angeles Sparks. However, thanks to the play of stars Swin Cash, Rookie of the Year Cheryl Ford, Deanna Noland and Riley, the celebration on Motown lasted all winter.

First Round
– Detroit defeats Cleveland, 2-1
Detroit 76, Cleveland 74 (Aug. 29)
Cleveland 66, Detroit 59 (Aug. 31)
Detroit 77, Cleveland 63 (Sept. 2)

– Connecticut defeats Charlotte, 2-0
Connecticut 68, Charlotte 66 (Aug. 28)
Connecticut 68, Charlotte 62 (Aug. 30)

– Los Angeles defeats Minnesota, 2-1
Minnesota 74, Los Angeles 72 (Aug. 28)
Los Angeles 80, Minnesota 69 (Aug. 30)
Los Angeles 74, Minnesota 64 (Sept. 1)

– Sacramento defeats Houston, 2-1
Sacramento 65, Houston 59 (Aug. 29)
Houston 69, Sacramento 48 (Aug. 31)
Sacramento 70, Houston 68 (Sept. 2)

Conference Finals
– Detroit defeats Connecticut, 2-0
Detroit 73, Connecticut 63 (Sept. 5)
Detroit 79, Connecticut 73 (Sept. 7)

– Los Angeles defeats Sacramento, 2-1
Sacramento 77, Los Angeles 69 (Sept. 5)
Los Angeles 79, Sacramento 54 (Sept. 7)
Los Angeles 66, Sacramento 63 (Sept. 9)

Finals
– Detroit defeats Los Angeles, 2-1
L.A. 75, Detroit 63 (Sept. 12)
Detroit 62, L.A. 61 (Sept. 14)
Detroit 83, L.A. 78 (Sept. 16)