Smith Stays on the Winning Side

By Oscar Dixon, USA TODAY

July 13, 2006

NEW YORK — Katie Smith is now the only player who can say she has won a WNBA All-Star Game in both conferences.

She won her first five playing for the Minnesota Lynx in the West, but Wednesday she notched her first East victory representing the Detroit Shock.

"I guess I'm a good-luck charm," said Smith, who had 14 points and four rebounds. "It feels really good to be undefeated."

Smith was accustomed to celebrating wins with the West, while two of her Detroit teammates, Deanna Nolan and Cheryl Ford, were always on the losing end.

"I've got to switch my loyalties," she joked before the game. "All of my old-time buddies are in the other locker room, but then again, that's also the old folks' home over there. But I'm really happy to be representing the East."