Celtics beat Lakers to take 3-1 series lead

The Boston Celtics recovered from a 24-point deficit Thursday night to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 97-91.

Boston trailed the Lakers 35-14 at the end of the first quarter, the largest deficit in the first quarter in NBA finals history. No team had ever come back from more than a 15-points behind after the first quarter, according to the Associated Press.

By the end of the first half, the Lakers were ahead 58-40, but the lead narrowed to two points at the end of the third quarter and evaporated in the fourth quarter.

The Celtics took their first lead with just over 4 minutes left in the game, and then went on to an 8-0 run to take a 5 point lead, before finishing the game 97-91. Boston's Paul Pierce scored 20 points and Ray Allen scored 19, but the Celtics managed to hold Kobe Bryant to just 17 points and 4 rebounds in the game.

It was described as the largest comeback in the finals since 1971, according to AP. Boston's victory was historic, but the odds against Los Angeles are also historic.

The next game of the series will be played on Sunday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, but no team has ever come back from a 1-3 deficit to win the NBA finals.