Lakers Take Game 3 in LA, 87-81

Last night it was a Lakers team effort, but the man who reigned supreme was league MVP Kobe Bryant. Bryant's 36 point performance and the Lakers' D held off the Celtics in the 4th quarter en route to their first win of the series. It's now a 2-1 Celtics advantage, and one more win puts the Lakers right back in the thick of things.

From the start in last night's game, both Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce struggled. Pierce struggled most of the night and finished with just 6, while KG put in 13 points in limited time on the court. The only Big 3 member to show up, Ray Allen had spots of brilliance and 25 points in the loss. But there were no Powe-heroics in last night's game for the Celtics. Sasha Vujacic added key 3 pointers for the Lakers to help them along to their 87-81 victory. Nicholson and Beckham were surely pleased.

Games 3 and 4 will also take place in Los Angeles, complete with Jack Nicholson and the other celebs rooting on their Showtime team courtside. The Lakers now seem to have momentum, but it's hard to believe Pierce and KG will put in performances as cold as Tuesday night's.

More about last night's game at Mercury News.