NBA: Celtics prevail over Lakers in rematch of last year's finals
LOS ANGELES: The Boston Celtics gained a measure of revenge from last season's disheartening NBA Finals by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 109-96 on Sunday.
In the first meeting between the rivals since the Lakers won a Game Seven duel to capture the NBA title, Paul Pierce scored 32 points and the East-leading Celtics overcame a season-high tying 41 from Bryant to triumph at the site of last summer's heartbreak.
Boston (36-11) trailed by seven in the third, but Pierce caught fire with 12 straight Celtics points to help the visitors claim a 77-72 edge at the end of three quarters.
A late assault by Bryant brought the Lakers (33-15) within four points in the final five minutes, but Boston got late baskets by Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, who finished with 21, to clinch the game with a 16-4 run.
In the first meeting between the rivals since the Lakers won a Game Seven duel to capture the NBA title, Paul Pierce scored 32 points and the East-leading Celtics overcame a season-high tying 41 from Bryant to triumph at the site of last summer's heartbreak.
Boston (36-11) trailed by seven in the third, but Pierce caught fire with 12 straight Celtics points to help the visitors claim a 77-72 edge at the end of three quarters.
A late assault by Bryant brought the Lakers (33-15) within four points in the final five minutes, but Boston got late baskets by Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, who finished with 21, to clinch the game with a 16-4 run.
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