8 Jun 2010

Stiffer defense the watchword for Lakers in Game Three

9:13 am on 8 June 2010

Stung by a 103-94 home loss in Game Two on Monday, the Los Angeles Lakers head to Boston under self-imposed pressure to shore up their defense against a rejuvenated Celtics in the NBA Finals.

The Lakers had clawed back from a 14-point deficit to lead by three late in the fourth quarter but, with Kobe Bryant in foul trouble, they gave up three turnovers as Boston regained control.

With the best-of-seven series tied at 1-all, the NBA champion Lakers desperately need to find a way to win at least one of the next three encounters on their opponents' home court.

Bryant says the Lakers fought pretty hard to get back in the game and then let it slip away for first home defeat in 10 playoff appearances this season.