The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics 87-81 on Tuesday night to avoid falling into a 0-3 in the NBA Finals.

L.A. trailed by two points heading into the fourth quarter but mounted a comeback midway through the final period to secure a Game Three victory.

Kobe Bryant had 36 points and 7 rebounds, and Sasha Vujacic added 20 points off the bench for the Lakers, who shot 44% from the floor and attempted twelve more foul shots than Boston.

Pau Gasol struggled, tallying 9 points and 12 rebounds on 3-for-8 shooting. Lamar Odom failed to show up once again, as well, posting 4 points and 9 rebounds on 2-for-9 shooting. Odom also had five fouls and five turnovers in the win.

Ray Allen led the Celtics with 25 points while Kevin Garnett posted his customary double-double with 13 points and 12 boards in the loss.

Paul Pierce, playing close to home, had difficulty for the first time in the Finals. He had 6 points and 6 boards, shooting a dismal 2-for-14 from the field.

Boston made just 34% of their shots but went 8-for-18 from behind the three-point line.

Rajon Rondo missed some time after spraining his ankle but returned later on with seemingly no ill effects from the injury.

Bryant delivered numerous times in the final minutes to secure the win while Vujacic drained a huge three-pointer with 2:01 left in the game to gave L.A. an 81-76 lead.

Derek Fisher then added to the lead with a pair of free throws, but the Celtics rallied to cut the lead to four on an Eddie House three. Bryant then answered with a jumper to end Boston's chances.

Game Four will be Thursday night in Los Angeles when the Lakers look to tie the 2008 NBA Finals at two games apiece.