USA – Celtics trail by 24, stun Lakers with comeback (+ video)

LOS ANGELES (NBA) – The Boston Celtics hit back from a 24-point first-half deficit to shock the Los Angeles Lakers and close to within one victory of their first NBA championship in more than two decades.

Doc Rivers’ team won Game Four 97-91 in LA on Thursday night and can now clinch the club’s 17th title on Sunday at the Staples Center.

“We let a huge opportunity slip away,” said the Lakers’ Team USA star Kobe Bryant, when asked how he felt in the post-game press conference. “Upset, hurt, disappointed – it’s a huge loss, no doubt about it. Just get back to work tomorrow.”

Boston managed to reduce the arrears to 18 points at half-time and a 21-3 run at the end of the third quarter cut the gap to 73-71.

They took the lead for good with 4:07 remaining on an Eddie House jump shot.

Paul Pierce led the way for Boston, pouring in 20 points and dishing out seven assists while Ray Allen scored 19 and grabbed nine boards.

Also for the Celtics, James Posey scored 18 and Kevin Garnett added 16 while also pulling down 11 rebounds.

Lamar Odom led LA with 19 points – all of his field goals coming in the first quarter.

Spain international Pau Gasol and Bryant scored 17 apiece.

Odom and Gasol each had 10 rebounds and Bryant handed out 10 assists.


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