Seattle, WA (AHN) - Detroit Shock guards Katie Smith and Deanna Nolan are an impressive one-two backcourt punch.

Smith scored 23 points and Nolan poured in 18 to lead the Shock to an 87-71 triumph over the Seattle Storm on Wednesday night.

"They're two of the best," Detroit coach Bill Laimbeer said of his talented tandem. "Kate Smith is damn near the best of all-time and Nolan might be the best right now."

Janell Burse had a season-high 21 points to pace the Storm (5-5). Lauren Jackson was held to a season-low 11 points on just 5-of-11 shooting and was plagued by foul trouble.

"Getting in early foul trouble in a game throws you off your rhythm and you have to work really hard to get back in that," Laimbeer said. "But at the same time, we put a defense to try to deny her the ball and when she got the ball we brought help."

The Shock, which allowed just 71.8 points per game entering play, held Seattle to 39 percent shooting.

Detroit's Cheryl Ford supplied 10 points and seven rebounds, playing in her first game after missing the last two due to a knee injury.

At 9-1, the Detroit is off to its best start in franchise history.