NBA – Bryant, Vujacic spark Lakers (+ video)

LOS ANGELES (NBA) – Kobe Bryant and Sasha Vujacic had big nights as the Los Angeles Lakers breathed some life into their title hopes with an 87-81 home triumph over the Boston Celtics.

Trailing 2-0 after the first two contests in Boston, LA went into the contest knowing no team in the play-offs has ever overcome a 3-0 deficit to win a post-season series.

“We just wanted to play,” Bryant said. “I don’t think anybody was feeling desperate. We just wanted to play, play our style and do what we were taught to do.”

Boston led 67-66 early in the fourth quarter and pushed LA to the end but couldn’t overcome the Lakers’ dynamic duo with Bryant pouring in 36 points and Vujacic 20.

The Celtics hurt Los Angeles with their transition game in the opening two clashes but Tuesday was a different story.

“We did a great job defensively,” Bryant said. “We limited their transition threes. They broke our back in Boston. We did a much better job limiting that.”

No other Laker hit double figures in points. Spain international Pau Gasol scored nine and had 12 rebounds.

The Lakers will attempt to level the showdown at 2-2 on Thursday at the Staples Center.


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