Photo Celtics hold off late LA rally, take 2-0 lead

By Daniel Dullum

June 8, 2008
Boston Celtics forward Leon Powe scores on the first of back-to-back dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter during Game 2 of the NBA basketball finals in Boston, Sunday, June 8, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
 



The Boston Celtics held off a frantic fourth-quarter Lakers’ rally and edged Los Angeles, 109-102 Sunday at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston. The win gives the Celtics a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series, which shifts to Los Angeles for games three, four, and possibly five.

Paul Pierce led Boston with 28 points, and Oakland native Leon Powe, a former Cal Bear, added 21 points. Kevin Garnett contributed 17 points and 14 rebounds, and Ray Allen canned 17 points for the Celtics.

Despite being hounded all night by a swarming Boston defense, Kobe Bryant paced the Lakers with 30 points, eight assists, and three steals.

Early in the fourth quarter, the Lakers trailed by 24 points, but a pair of free throws by Bryant pulled Los Angeles to within 104-102 with 38.4 seconds left. Pierce answered for Boston, hitting a pair of free throws and blocking a jumper by Sasha Vujacic. James Posey iced the game for Boston by sinking two free throws with 12.6 to play.

 

Copyright 2001-2008 - Sports Radio Service