Shock closes out inaugural season tonight

The Tulsa Shock is set to close out their first season tonight when they take on the Chicago Sky at the BOK Center. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. 

The squad's inaugural season in Tulsa has been a rough one on the court. After opening the season with a 3-3 record they lost their next 12 games, coming just one game shy of matching the Shock franchise record losing streak. Most recently, the Shock has lost six straight, including a 95-85 loss at New York on Thursday.

While the losses far outnumber the wins, their have been several positives for the team. 

The mid-season addition of Ivory Latta has been huge for the franchise. Latta has averaged 12.4 points through 17 games and has taken on a leadership role. Scholanda Robinson, who spent the previous four seasons with the new defunct Sacramento Monarchs, has enjoyed the best season of her career, averaging 12 points per game. Shanna Crossley has also enjoyed one of her most productive seasons, averaging 9.4 points per game while leading the team in three-pointers.

Through 16 home games, the Shock has drawn a paid attendance of 75,490, which averages out to 4,718 per game. That is a decent number of fans that have supported a struggling first-year team. In fact, the fans have went above and beyond to support this team.

During a 123-91 loss to Phoenix on July 22, in which the Mercury broke several WNBA records, including most points scored, the fans could have left early. Instead they remained in the building, cheering on their team late into the contest. Once the final horn sounded, the crowd stood and applauded the team. The fans here in Tulsa understand the game of basketball, and they understand that this season is the one where the franchise must lay the foundation to make the team successful and viable in the long-term.

The Shock will honor the fans tonight, billing the game as fan appreciation night. Players will be greeting fans at the doors and the first 5,000 through the doors will receive a free team photo post card. The team will also be giving away over $40,000 worth of prizes, including the jerseys off of the players' backs after the game.

Tickets are available at the BOK Center box office, or online.