The Tulsa starting backcourt exploded for 41 points at home and led the team to its first win in 2014.
Shock rookie Odyssey Sims scored a career high 21 points as Tulsa (1-5) defeated Phoenix, 92-78, in the BOK Center on Friday. Tulsa lost to the Mercury (4-2) one week ago in Phoenix.
Skylar Diggins scored 20 and accounted for more with nine assists on the night.
Shock coach Fred Williams said he knew getting one in the win column was just a matter of time.
“It’s been a learning process for us, ever since we started the season,” Williams said. “I said it’d kick in one night, and tonight it really kicked in for us with a combination of guards really getting after it defensively. I thought the defense really set the tone for us.”
Tulsa, who led by as many as 21, grabbed eight steals and forced the issue on the inside. Although Brittney Griner had three blocks, the Shock scored more than half their points (48) in the paint.
Shock forward Glory Johnson had a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. And she said going against Griner was not easy, but she wasn’t going it alone.
“You know it’s tough because she’s way taller than both of us and she’s been able to work with both hands, left and right. Courtney [Paris] had my back and I had hers.”
Riquna Williams came off the Shock bench to score 17 points.
Diana Taurasi put in a game high 22 points in the loss for Phoenix.
Tulsa is at home again for the second of four straight in the BOK Center, hosting the New York Liberty on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.