The All-Star scored 38 points in Game 5 of the NBA finals against Los Angeles. But twice in the final minutes, Pierce let Kobe Bryant slap the ball away as the Lakers held on to win 103-98 and send the series back to Boston.
Game 6 is Tuesday night. If the Lakers win that one, the Celtics would have another chance to close out their 17th NBA title on Thursday night. Boston is 12-and-1 at home this postseason.
Pierce, an L.A. native facing the team he followed as a kid, had 26 of his game-high 38 points in the first half. He finished with eight assists and six rebounds while playing every minute until the very end.
But with just over 3 minutes left and the Celtics trailing 94-91, Bryant slapped the ball away from Pierce to make it a two-possession game. It was 97-95 when Pierce grabbed a rebound and brought the ball across halfcourt.
Again, Bryant poked it loose to Lamar Odom, who threw it upcourt to the streaking Bryant for a clinching dunk.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2008/6/210833