Celtics 2 Lakers 1

The Lakers were rescued by the sharp-shooting of Sasha Vujacic.

Vujacic turned saviour when the rest of the Lakers starters (not including Kobe) combined for only 22 points, making just a pitiful 7 of their 28 shots. Vujacic came of the bench to shoot 7-for-10, including 3-for-5 from the 3-point range. 

Kobe Bryant, as usual, led the team with 36 points, but apart from these two players, there rest of the Lakers didn’t help much. Lamar Odom continued his woeful shooting throughout the series with a disappointing game and only 4 points and 5 turnovers, while Pau Gasol was nowhere near his best.

Boston didn’t fare well too, with Paul Pierce scoring only 6 points from 2-for-14 shooting while Kevin Garnet scored 13 points from 6-for-21 shooting. Ray Allen was the only hot shooter for Boston, and his 25 points managed to keep the game close for the Celtics. The final score was 87-81, and they made everyone at the Staples Center fidgeting in their seats until the final horn sounded. 

They had a reason to be so. No team in NBA playoff history has ever overcome a 0-3 deficit. And the Lakers made sure that they do not have to be the first one to do so.

Game 4 will be at the Staples Center this Friday.