Mon Jun 9 00:56:56 2008

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Pierce, Perkins start Game 2, but Cassell leaves game

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Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Despite a sprained right knee, Boston forward Paul Pierce started Game 2 of the NBA Finals and scored 28 points in a 108-102 win over the Los Angeles Lakers Sunday night.

Celtics center Kendrick Perkins also started despite a sprained left ankle, but had just seven points as he was limited by foul trouble.

Pierce was hurt midway through the third quarter of Thursday's 98-88 Boston victory after a collision with Perkins and had to be carried off the court. He returned a few minutes later and helped the Celtics to victory, scoring 19 of his 22 points in the final two quarters.

The Celtics did lose the services of guard Sam Cassell Sunday night. He sprained his right wrist midway through the second quarter and didn't return.