Pierce leads Celtics past Lakers 98-88 in Game 1

Paul Pierce, who has struggled through highs and mostly lows in 10 seasons with the Boston Celtics, helped push his new teammates Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett into their first NBA finals through the rocky first few rounds.

When Mr. Pierce fell, clutching his knee, in the third quarter, a championship series without their captain and most-consistent scorer flashed before the eyes of Celtics present and past (Bill

Russell and John Havlicek attended).

But just minutes later, Mr. Pierce rose from his wheelchair to help Boston pull away from the Los Angeles Lakers and win Game 1, 98-88.