Mon Jun 9 00:08:34 2008

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Lakers' miracle comeback falls short as Celtics go up 2-0

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Boston, MA (Sports Network) - In what had been a blowout with under eight minutes remaining, the Boston Celtics denied the Los Angeles Lakers one of the most incredible comebacks in playoff history, holding on for a 108-102 win in Game 2 of the NBA Finals.

Paul Pierce showed little effects of a knee injury, scoring 28 points, including hitting two big free throws in the final minute for the Celtics, who nearly blew a 24-point lead in the fourth but moved to 12-1 at home in the playoffs and are halfway to their first championship since 1986.

Pierce, who was carried off the court with a sprained right knee in the third quarter of Thursday's opener before coming back to lead the Celtics to a 98-88 win, shot 9-of-16 from the field and had eight assists.

Leon Powe led a spirited effort from Boston's bench with a playoff career-best 21 points. Powe, who came into the game averaging 4.6 points in the playoffs, went 6-of-7 from the floor and 9-of-13 at the foul line.

Kevin Garnett totaled 17 points and 14 rebounds in the win, while Ray Allen had 17 points and Rajon Rondo finished with 16 assists for Boston.

Kobe Bryant had 21 of his 30 points in the second half for the Lakers, who also got 17 points and 10 rebounds from Pau Gasol. Vladimir Radmanovic had 13 points and 10 boards.

Game 3 is Tuesday at the Staples Center, where the Lakers have dominated in the postseason. The Lakers have won 14 straight home games, including eight in a row in the playoffs.

Garnett's jumper provided Boston with its largest lead at 95-71 with 7:55 remaining, but the Lakers rallied by using a 31-9 run.

Bryant's two free throws cut the deficit to 104-102 with 38.4 seconds left, but Pierce drove to the lane and was fouled by Derek Fisher. Two foul shots later it was 106-102 with 22.8 seconds to go.

Pierce then blocked a three-point try from Sasha Vujacic, and James Posey canned two more at the foul line with 12.6 seconds left.