NBA Finals: Pierce, Celtics Edge Lakers; Take 3-2 Series Lead

NBA Finals

NBA Finals: Pierce, Celtics Edge Lakers; Take 3-2 Series Lead. Paul Pierce scored 27 points to lead four starters in double figures as the Boston Celtics held off the Los Angeles Lakers 92-86 Sunday night. The win gives the Celtics a 3-2 series lead in the NBA Finals.  Kevin Garnett had his best game of the series, finishing with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Rajon Rondo had 18 points, eight assists and five rebounds and Ray Allen shot 5-for-10 to finish with 12 points. Boston pulled away in the third quarter, but the Lakers cut it to 87-82 with under a minute left. Ron Artest was fouled, but missed two free throws to all but seal the win for the Celtics. Boston shot 56 percent from the field while limiting the Lakers 40 percent shooting. Kobe Bryant finished with a game high 38 points on 13-for-25 shooting. Pau Gasol was the only other Laker in double figures with 12 points. The series shifts to Los Angeles for Game 6 Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET.