Lennox shines as Seattle forces Game 3

SEATTLE — Betty Lennox and the Seattle Storm withstood a record-setting performance by Connecticut’s Nykesha Sales and forced a decisive third game in the WNBA Finals.

Sales scored a WNBA Finals record 32 points, but missed a 3-pointer as time expired, giving Seattle a 67-65 win in Game 2 of the league finals Sunday night.

Game 3 will be Tuesday night in Seattle.

Sales and Lennox turned Game 2 into an individual showcase that came down to the final shot.

Sales set finals records for most points, most field goals in a game (14) and most points in a half (21). She made seven consecutive shots before hitting the side of the backboard with no time remaining.

But it was Lennox coming out on top, scoring a season-high 27 points for Seattle.

“I was just trying to put more buckets on the scoreboard than she was,” Lennox said. “My mentality wasn’t to force it, just take what the defense gave me.”

Lennox hit 11 of 16 shots and took advantage of her matchup with rookie Lindsay Whalen. Seattle’s other starters combined to shoot just 10 of 36.

“Two players that really weren’t highlighted coming into the series just took over,” Seattle coach Anne Donovan said. “One great play after another at both ends.

“It was fun to watch. I’m glad we’re going to Game 3.”

On Connecticut’s final chance, Sales had an open look on a 3-pointer from the corner, but hit the side of the backboard.