Phoenix, AZ. (AHN) - The Phoenix Mercury needed some tough play in order to extend the WNBA Finals to a fifth and deciding game on Sunday.

That is just what the team got from Cappie Pondexter, who poured in a game-high 26 points, including the game-winning basket with 21 seconds remaining, to lift the Mercury past the Detroit Shock 77-76 on Thursday night.

Detroit, which won the 2003 and 2006 titles on its home court, will try to win consecutive titles when it returns to Auburn Hills.

Diana Taurasi added 20 points for the Mercury, while Plenette Pierson netted 23 points off the bench for Detroit.

Pondexter said she wasn't surprised by her own terrific performance.

"I'm a winner,'' said Pondexter, a two-time All-Star, told AP. "When the game's on the line, I feel like I can win every time.''