PHOENIX — The WNBA assessed Detroit forward Plenette Pierson with aflagrant foul I on Thursday for her Game 3 altercation with Phoenix’s PennyTaylor.

The penalty was announced before Detroit and Phoenix met in Game 4 of theWNBA Finals with the Shock looking to win their second straight title.

Pierson and Taylor were each assessed technicals and were fined anundisclosed amount after they squared off with 8 seconds remaining in Detroit’s88-83 victory Tuesday night.

Pierson’s flagrant foul is worth one point. Players who accumulate fourpoints in the playoffs earn a one-game suspension.

Pierson said Wednesday that she had retaliated after Taylor elbowed herfirst. Taylor said she wanted the league to investigate.

Phoenix’s Diana Taurasi, who confronted a league official after the game,said she was not surprised by the decision.

“They do what they do,” Taurasi said before Game 4. “We’re over that.We’re fine.”