NBA Finals: Game 3

SI Staff | Jun 12, 2008

NBA Finals: Game 3 /

NBA Finals: Game 3

Kobe Bryant struggled mightily with his shot in Boston, but he returned to form in the friendly confines of the Staples Center. Bryant guided the Lakers to their first win of the series Tuesday, scoring 36 points on 12-of-20 shooting from the floor.

The Lakers bottled up Celtics captain Paul Pierce, who scored just six points on 2-of-14 shooting.

Lamar Odom didn't do much to help the Lakers' cause, scoring just four points (zero in the fourth quarter).

Derek Fisher had a rough night (1-for-6 from the field), but he made two key free throws down the stretch to help Los Angeles preserve the win.

The Lakers are 9-0 in the playoffs at the Staples Center and haven't lost at home since March 28 (a span of 15 games).

Phil Jackson's complaints about unbalanced officiating paid off, as the Lakers enjoyed 34-22 edge in free-throw attempts.

Pau Gasol continues to be bullied by the Celtics' front court, but he did contribute two big buckets in the fourth quarter.

The Lakers trailed by two after three quarters, but they outscored the Celtics 27-19 in the final period.

Ray Allen led Boston's offensive charge, scoring 25 points and nailing five three-pointers.

new.opfg-12633-mid.jpg — John W. McDonough/SI

Sasha Vujacic, the self-proclaimed ''Machine,'' headlined Los Angeles' ''Bench Mob.'' Vujacic scored 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting.

Published Jun 12, 2008

SI STAFF