2008 NBA Finals: Game 3

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) tries to pass against the defense of Boston Celtics center Kendrick Perkins, back, and Kevin Garnett (5) in the first half of Game 3 of the NBA finals Tuesday, June 10, 2008, in Los Angeles.

Lakers forward Luke Walton (4) tries to pass the ball around Celtics forward Paul Pierce (34) in the first half.

Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) tries to pass against Celtics center Kendrick Perkins in the first half.

The Lakers' Pau Gasol, right, shoots over the defense of the Celtics' Kevin Garnett during the second quarter.

The Lakers' Kobe Bryant, left, gets a rebound against the Celtics' Ray Allen during the second quarter.

The Lakers' Kobe Bryant passes the ball as Celtics forward Kevin Garnett (5) defends in the first half. Bryant scored 36 points with an MVP-worthy performance.

Celtics forward Kevin Garnett (5) drives to the basket against Lakers forward Pau Gasol, left, and Lamar Odom, second right, as Kobe Bryant (24) looks on in the first half. Garnett scored 13 points on 6-of-21 shooting.

The Lakers' Kobe Bryant and Kevin Garnett of the Celtics meet at the foul line in the second half.

Lakers guard Sasha Vujacic (18) shoots a three-pointer late in the second half as Celtics forward P.J. Brown (93) defends. Vujacic, the self-proclaimed "Machine," made three, 3-pointers, including a crucial one from the left corner with 1:53 left that gave the Lakers an 81-76 lead.

Lakers guard Derek Fisher (2) and Celtics guard Eddie House (50) scramble for a loose ball in the second half.

Lakers guard Sasha Vujacic, right and Derek Fisher react after a play during the second half. Vujacic scored 20 points as the Lakers won 87-81.