"He said, 'I'm going to guard Kobe [Bryant],' " said Celtics coach Doc Rivers. " 'Let me guard him.' "

Rivers obliged, and Pierce's defense helped the Celtics pull off one of the more remarkable comebacks in NBA playoff history, a 97-91 victory over the Lakers at Staples Center.

Bryant didn't pop off the stat sheet in the first half, but he had six assists before halftime, helping to orchestrate a Lakers offense the Celtics had no answer for. Los Angeles shot 50 percent in the half and got far too many open looks.