WNBA: Detroit 69, San Antonio 61

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 3 (UPI) -- Katie Smith helped Detroit to a big early lead Friday and the Shock fought off a San Antonio comeback to down the Silver Stars in the WNBA Finals 69-61.

Detroit opened a 2-0 series lead and can claim the third league championship Sunday when Game 3 s played in Ypsilanti, Mich.

Smith scored 22 points and both Deanna Nolan and Kara Braxton had 12.

Detroit stormed to a 19-2 lead, but San Antonio chipped away until it took a 43-32 advantage late in the third period.

The Silver Stars, however, ran out of steam and soon found themselves trailing by double digits.

Beck Hammon led San Antonio with 24 points. The Silver Stars made only 21 of 64 shots from the field.