There will be a new WNBA champion after Phoenix was eliminated from playoff contention with an 89-78 loss to Detroit on Tuesday night.

Former UConn star Diana Taurasi had 22 points but was 9 of 24 from the floor and 1 for 8 from 3-point range. Taurasi forced up a pair of ill-advised shots in consecutive fourth-quarter possessions. Coming up empty in both trips pretty much sealed the Mercury's fate. While Taurasi and fellow Olympian Cappie Pondexter took 36 of Phoenix's 71 shots, balance was the key for Detroit as five players attempted between 10-13 shots and Deanna Nolan led six Shock players in double figures with 18 points. If Connecticut fails to rally against Houston, the Shock and Sun will be tied atop the Eastern Conference standings with Detroit holding the tiebreaker by winning the season series against Connecticut. The Sun trail 39-31 at halftime.