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Bryant, Lakers Break Through

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By TOM WITHERS

The Associated Press

Published: June 11, 2008

Updated: 06/11/2008 12:44 am

LOS ANGELES - On his floor and on his game, Kobe Bryant revived the Los Angeles Lakers - and the NBA Finals.

With his team one loss from having to make an impossible climb, Bryant was close to MVP form, scoring 36 points on an assortment of spins, drives and jumpers and reserve Sasha Vujacic added 20 points as the Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 87-81 in Game 3 on Tuesday night.

A change of time zones, jerseys and attitude did wonders for the Lakers, who staggered home from Boston in an 0-2 hole and couldn't afford to fall any farther behind in the first best-of-seven matchup between the league's marquee teams since 1987.

No team in NBA playoff history has ever overcome an 0-3 deficit.

Bryant made sure the Lakers won't have to.

And this time, the superstar got some help.

Vujacic, the self-proclaimed "Machine," made three 3-pointers, including a crucial one from the left corner with 1:53 left that gave the Lakers an 81-76 lead. Pau Gasol finally flexed his muscles with two inside baskets in the fourth quarter and Derek Fisher, who took an $8 million pay cut to come back and play for the Lakers, made two free throws with 1:33 remaining as the Lakers held on.

"We just wanted to play," Bryant said. "I don't think anyone was feeling desperate."

Game 4 is Thursday night at the Staples Center, where the Lakers are 9-0 in the playoffs.

Ray Allen scored 25 points for the Celtics. Kevin Garnett scored 13 points and Paul Pierce, playing a short drive from his childhood home, had six points, missed 12 shots and was in foul trouble all night.

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