Results of Game 1 Celtics 98, Lakers 88Pierce, Celtics Get Jump on Lakers
Paul Pierce, in a role reminiscent of that portrayed years before by Willis Reed, emerged from the lockerroom and proceeded to give Boston a much-needed lift. The captain posted 15 of his 22 points in a huge third quarter that helped carry the Celtics to a 98-88 victory over the Lakers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals at the Garden on Thursday.
After being carried off with what appeared to be a serious injury to his right leg with 6:49 left in the third quarter, Pierce, despite a sprained knee, returned to the floor with 5:04 left in the period.
He then rolled off eight of his 15 points in the quarter to help the C’s take a 77-73 lead into the fourth quarter, after being down five at halftime. Boston outscored L.A. 31-22 in the third.
Sam Cassell and James Posey hit back-to-back shots to stretch Boston’s lead to eight with 8:44 left in the fourth quarter before L.A. made a run to pull within four with less than seven minutes remaining.
Pierce's turnaround jumper with 5:23 left made it 88-82 and he later hit a pair of free throws to give Boston an eight-point advantage with 3:43 left to play. The Lakers hung around until late in the game, before Kevin Garnett converted a pair of free throws to essentially ice things with 1:01 remaining.
Garnett finished with 24 points and 13 rebounds. Ray Allen added 19 points, eight rebounds and five assists and Rajon Rondo posted 15 points and seven assists.
Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 24 points, despite going 9-of-26 from the floor. Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher scored 15 apiece, while Lamar Odom added 14 points. Los Angeles trails in a series for the first time in this postseason.
Game 2 is set for Sunday in Boston at 9 p.m. ET.