Auburn Hills, MI -- (Sports Network) - Deanna Nolan posted a game-best 23 points as Detroit slipped by New York, 75-73, in a deciding Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals.

Taj McWilliams-Franklin had 19 points and eight rebounds for Detroit, which advances to face the Silver Stars in the Finals starting Wednesday in San Antonio. Katie Smith added 16 points and three assists for Detroit, the 2006 champions, who will be appearing in the WNBA Finals for the third straight year.

Janel McCarville picked up 21 points with five boards and dished out four assists for the Liberty, who nearly rallied from a 19-point halftime deficit before losing. Leilani Mitchell contributed 14 points off the bench while Shameka Christon had 12 points.

New York scored only eight points in the opening quarter, and Detroit extended its advantage to 43-24 at the break. The Liberty responded by outscoring the home team 30-18 in the third and by three in the fourth.

The contest wasn't wrapped up until Smith hit a pair of free throws with 54 seconds left which gave Detroit a 75-69 advantage.