LOS ANGELES. - The Boston Celtics moved to
the brink of their record 17th NBA title by overcoming a
20-point, second-half deficit to stun the Los Angeles Lakers
97-91 in Game 4 on Thursday.
Boston leads the best-of-seven series 3-1 and
can wrap up the championship on Sunday in Los Angeles (Monday in
Manila).
"It's a dream if I can come out here and win
on Sunday," said Boston forward Paul Pierce.
"I don't want to get over-excited right now
over one win.
"These moments are great but I'll be able to
enjoy it even more once it's over."
Boston trailed by 24 points in the first half
and by 20 midway through the third quarter, but a 21-3 run
trimmed the Celtics' deficit to 73-71 entering the final
quarter.
"Some turnaround," said a subdued Lakers
coach Phil Jackson. "The air went out of the building. Give them
credit. Their defense was up to the task in the third quarter."
Boston's 11-time All-Star forward Kevin
Garnett scored four points during an 8-0 streak midway through
the final quarter to ease the Celtics into an 88-83 lead with
2:12 left.
A lay-up by league MVP Kobe Bryant with 90
seconds left kept the Lakers in touch but a 25-foot,
three-pointer from James Posey on the ensuing possession hiked
the lead to a comfortable 92-87.
"When we were down, nothing was going right
for us," said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. "Once we got the lead,
obviously we were thrilled to death.
"It's a great comeback but we still have to
win one game. That's the way we view it."
Pierce scored 20 points to lead a balanced
scoring attack for the Celtics. Ray Allen had 19 while Posey
added 18 and Garnett 16 with a team-leading 11 rebounds.
The Lakers were led by Lamar Odom's 19
points, followed by Bryant and Paul Gasol with 17 apiece. Bryant
had 10 assists but hit just six of 19 shots.
"We gave them a lot of fast-break points,
allowed them to get back in the game with free throws and
three-point opportunities," said Bryant. "That's a deadly
combination.
"We let a huge opportunity slip away. I'm upset, hurt,
disappointed. It's a huge loss, no doubt about it. We'll just
get back to work tomorrow."
