DETROIT ? The New York Liberty went downtown for a road win.

The Liberty tied a franchise playoff record with nine three-pointers Friday night in a 75-62 victory over the Detroit Shock in Game 1 of the opening round of the WNBA playoffs.

“We just did a nice job of execution tonight,” said Elena Baranova, who led New York with 17 points. “It’s not just me that is making shots — it’s Becky Hammon and Crystal Robinson and Shameka Christon — everyone on our team can shoot.”

New York finished 9-of-16 from three-point range.

The loss means that defending champion Detroit will have to win Sunday and Tuesday in New York to avoid being eliminated in the best-of-three series.

Monarchs 72, Sparks 52

Sacramento, Calif. — Tangela Smith scored 21 points, helping Sacramento defeat top-seeded Los Angeles in Game 1 of their first-round series. The Sparks now have to win Sunday and Tuesday on their home court to avoid an early exit in the best-of-three series.