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Shock seize 2-1 lead in WNBA finals

By BOB BAUM -- AP Sports Writer

PHOENIX (AP) The Detroit Shock turned to an old hand to lead them to their biggest road victory of the season.

Nine-year league veteran Katie Smith scored 22 points, one shy of her career playoff high, to help the defending champions beat the cold-shooting Phoenix Mercury 88-83 Tuesday night and take a 2-1 lead in the WNBA finals.

The Shock, who regrouped from a 28-point home loss in Game 2 on Saturday, can wrap up the best-of-five series and their third WNBA title since 2003 with a victory in Game 4 Thursday night in Phoenix.

Detroit took the lead for good in the game's first four minutes. Phoenix stayed close, but could never catch the Shock.

Deanna Nolan, who scored 20, sealed the victory with four consecutive free throws in the final 8.3 seconds.

Diana Taurasi scored 22 for the Mercury, who shot just 35 percent for the game, 5-for-31 from 3-point range. Tangela Smith scored 17 but made only 6 of 17 shots for Phoenix. Penny Taylor was in foul trouble most of the night but had 16 points and 14 rebounds for the Mercury.