Phoenix - The Detroit Shock are all alone in the record books for all the wrong reasons after losing their eighth consecutive game to open the 2002 season with a three-point loss to Phoenix. It was also the fourth time that the Shock had blown a halftime lead as they built a 43-33 advantage through the first 20 minutes behind 50.0 percent shooting from the field (18-of-36). Detroit still led by nine, 53-44, with 10:45 to go, but the Mercury climbed back into the game with a 15-7 run. Two Gordana Grubin free throws gave Phoenix its first lead of the second half, 65-64, with 1:17 remaining and the Mercury scored five of the last eight points of the game for the final three-point margin of victory. Jennifer Gillom led the Mercury with 15 points while Wendy Palmer’s 20 points led all scorers.