Kobe leads the Lakers to 2-1 series lead
June 09, 2010 16:46:07 UK
Boston Celtics 84 Los Angeles Lakers 91Kobe Bryant scored 29 points as the Los Angeles Lakers took a 2-1 series lead over the Boston Celtics in the NBA finals on Tuesday night.
Derek Fisher added 16 points, coming to the fore at a crucial time in the final quarter of game three of the best-of-seven series at TD Garden when the points began to evade for Bryant.
Kevin Garnett top-scored with 25 points for the Celtics, a change of fortune after he could manage just six in his previous outing, but Paul Pierce and Ray Allen in particular endured off days which cost their side.
Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum notched ten rebounds apiece for Los Angeles.
The Lakers established a healthy 26-17 advantage after the first quarter and extended their lead to 52-40 by half-time.
Boston were let down by poor shooting in the early stages, particularly from Allen, whose 32 points had earned them victory in game two, finishing game three with just two points.
He missed all eight of his three-point efforts and all five two-pointers.
The Celtics still threatened a comeback in the second half as they reduced the deficit to a single point by making it 68-67 early in the fourth quarter.
But they had given themselves too much work to do as Los Angeles pulled clear once again.
Although Bryant began to score with less frequency in the final quarter - he added just four points - Fisher assumed the scoring burden, nailing four key baskets to see the Lakers home.
Game Four takes place Thursday night, with the LA Lakers 2.55 on the Money Line, while the Celtics can be backed at 1.57 to tie up the series.
View all Basketball lines