Boston Beats LA After Pierce Scare

The Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers completed their 2008 version of greeting each other in Game 1, with Paul Pierce leading the Celtics to a 98-88 victory. After being down 51-46 at the half, Pierce scored the Cs first 8 points in the 3rd quarter and allowed the Celtics to take control. Mid-way throught the 3rd quarter, Pierce then went down with a strained knee after colliding with Perkins, shocking the Boston crowd as he was carried off. After a couple of lead changes, Pierce returned triumphantly to give Boston the lead for good at the end of the 3rd with consecutive 3-point shots. It was a heroic moment for Pierce and the Celtics.