Celtics edge ahead of Lakers in finals

Paul Pierce scored 27 points as Boston Celtics beat Los Angeles Lakers 92-86 to take a 3-2 lead in the NBA finals.

The Celtics, who had trailed 2-1, will take the title if they win game six in Los Angeles on Tuesday, with a possible game seven decider on Thursday.

Lakers legend Kobe Bryant scored 38 points but received little support.

Boston led 73-65 going into the final period and although the Lakers closed the gap, the home side are now within one win of a record 18th championship.

Celtics coach Doc Rivers said: "This was huge for us. Let's just be honest. We had to win this game, and that's the way we felt going into it.

606: DEBATE I think that it will go down to the wire, to the seventh match, and am hoping the Lakers win it Ed

"For them they still have two home games, and they understand that. You don't want to go into LA down 3-2 with two games in. So this was the biggest game of the year. Every game gets bigger."

Pierce, the Celtics captain, was their star player but there were sparkling cameos from Kevin Garnett and Rajon Rondo, who both scored 18 points.

A disappointed Bryant said: "We have a challenge, obviously, down 3-2. We let a couple of opportunities slip away.

"But it is what it is. Now you've got two games at home that you need to win, and you pull your boots up and get to work."

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