Boston Celtics 92 Los Angeles Lakers 86

TD Garden - Boston, MA

June 13th, 2010

Box Score

Underdogs

They came into the post season as the fourth best team statistically in the Eastern Conference. Many people thought they could get upset by Dwayne Wade's Miami Heat. Nobody picked them against the #1 seed Cleveland Cavaliers. Nobody thought they could get back to the NBA Finals with a win over the Magic. Now, as you read this, the Boston Celtics are one win away from raising banner eighteen.

Que Gino

Behind a 27 point effort from the captain, and The Truth, Paul Pierce the Celtics were able to take a 3-2 lead in the best of seven series by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 92-86. The Celtics didn't trail much during tonight's game and they held a lead as big as 13 at one point in the game. Strong defense and a few clutch plays late in the game helped the C's prevail in the end.

The whole truth and nothing but the truth

As noted above, Pierce led the team tonight with 27 points and really took control in the Celtics biggest game of the year. At many points during tonight's game he looked like vintage Paul Pierce, nailing those step back jumpers that we have seen during his whole career as a Celtic. Watching him elevate and nail jumpers over Ron Artest and other defenders was pleasing to the eye.

Kobe comes up short

Pierce was not the only superstar who tried to take over tonight's game; however, he was the only one succesful at doing so. Kobe Bryant used a 25 point third quarter effort to keep the Celtics within reach, He was zoned in, but unfortunately for Lakers fans the same time he was zoned in the entire Celtics team was playing flawless basketball. He ended with 38 points tonight in a losing effort.

Champagne on Ice?

The C's now head back to L.A with two chances to win the NBA championship. It won't be as sweet winning it on the opponents floor, but I don't think anyone will complain if it happens. If the Celtics are smart they will be playing Game 6 as if it was Game 7 because a Game 7 on the opponents floor would be way too much of a risk. If all goes well hopefully we will be seeing the C's celebrating on the Staples Center floor Tuesday at this time. How sweet would that be???

Photos via Yahoo Sports/ Getty Images