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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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 NBA FINALS 
0

Lakers Still Alive, Beat Celtics 103-98 in Game 5

Bryant struggles but scores 25; credited with key steal late

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(Newser) – Pack up the championship trophy and book a flight back to Boston, the NBA finals aren't over yet. The Los Angeles Lakers are headed East to try a historic comeback of their own. Kobe Bryant scored 25 points, including a decisive dunk in the final minute,  and Lamar Odom added 20 as the Lakers, playing with pride on their star-studded stage, prevented the Celtics from winning a 17th title with a 103-98 win.

No team has overcome a 3-1 deficit in the finals to win a title. The first 28 failed, and now the Lakers, who blew a 24-point lead and lost Game 4 and nearly squandered a 19-point lead in Game 5, have a chance to do something extraordinary. They'll have to win on the Celtics' parquet floor Tuesday night to force a winner-take-all Game 7, where anything is possible.

Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol, of Spain, shoots against the Boston Celtics in the second half of Game 5 of the NBA basketball finals Sunday, June 15, 2008, in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol, of Spain, shoots against the Boston Celtics in the second half of Game 5 of the NBA basketball finals Sunday, June 15, 2008, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers talks with Kevin Garnett during play against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half of Game 5 of the NBA basketball finals Sunday, June 15, 2008, in Los Angeles.
Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers talks with Kevin Garnett during play against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second half of Game 5 of the NBA basketball finals Sunday, June 15, 2008, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)
Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett, right, shoots over Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol, of Spain, in the second half of Game 5 of the NBA basketball finals Sunday, June 15, 2008, in Los Angeles.
Boston Celtics forward Kevin Garnett, right, shoots over Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol, of Spain, in the second half of Game 5 of the NBA basketball finals Sunday, June 15, 2008, in Los Angeles....   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom, left, blocks Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce as he tries to pass in the second half of Game 5 of the NBA basketball finals Sunday, June 15, 2008, in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom, left, blocks Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce as he tries to pass in the second half of Game 5 of the NBA basketball finals Sunday, June 15, 2008, in Los Angeles....   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol, left, of Spain, and Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen (20) fight for the ball in the second half of Game 5 of the NBA basketball finals Sunday, June 15, 2008, in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol, left, of Spain, and Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen (20) fight for the ball in the second half of Game 5 of the NBA basketball finals Sunday, June 15, 2008, in Los...   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts after a shot in the second half of Game 5 of the NBA basketball finals against the Boston Celtics Sunday, June 15, 2008, in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts after a shot in the second half of Game 5 of the NBA basketball finals against the Boston Celtics Sunday, June 15, 2008, in Los Angeles.   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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