SAN ANTONIO — Katie Smith and Taj McWilliams-Franklin helped Detroit take a first step toward reclaiming the WNBA title by leading the Shock to a 77-69 win over the San Antonio Silver Stars today in Game 1 of the WNBA finals.

Smith scored 25 points and McWilliams-Franklin had 24. Game 2 of the best-of-five series is Friday in San Antonio.

The Silver Stars, who lost to an Eastern Conference team for the first time this season after 14 wins, were led by Sophia Young's 21 points and 16 from Ann Wauters.