Lakers take 2-1 lead in Boston

The Los Angeles Lakers got the road win they needed last night as they defeated the Boston Celtics 91-84, taking a 2-1 lead in the NBA finals. The win ensures that the Celtics won’t close out the series in Boston, and barring a road sweep by the Lakers, the final game(s) in the series will be played in Los Angeles.

The Lakers dominated in the beginning, carrying a 12 point lead into halftime. Kevin Garnett and the Celtics battled back in the second half and came close to taking the lead a few times, but never could quite get there.

Although Kobe Bryant put up 29 points, it was Derek Fisher’s 11 point performance in the fourth quarter that sealed the win for Los Angeles. The Lakers fought off a huge second half comeback by Boston, and in the final minute Fisher closed it out with an electrifying layup against three Celtic defenders.

The Celtics’ Ray Allen saw the mirror opposite of his amazing game 2 performance, shooting 0-13 with only two points. Forward Kevin Garnett was one of the only bright spots for Boston, putting up 25 points on 11-16 shooting. It takes a team effort to beat the Lakers in the finals, however; and the Celtics didn’t deliver one.

The Lakers took the momentum and the lead in the NBA finals, and will try to win another road game in Boston on Thursday. The game starts at 9pm and will be aired on ABC.