BOSTON - Paul Pierce shook off a sprained knee in the third quarter and sparked the Boston Celtics to a 98-88 win over the L.A. Lakers in the opener of the NBA Finals last night.

Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce celebrates with fans as he leaves the court after the Celtics beat the Los Angeles Lakers 98-88 in Game 1 of the NBA basketball finals in Boston, Thursday, June 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

After being carried off the court with the injury, Pierce came bounding out of the tunnel from the locker room a few minutes later. He resumed scoring immediately by hitting two big 3-point shots just 20 seconds apart sending the Boston crowd into a frenzy.

Pierce scored 15 points in the third quarter and finished with 22, 11 points coming after getting hurt. Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with 24. Ray Allen, the third member of Boston's Big 3, added 19 for the Celtics, who are chasing a 17th NBA championship.

Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 24 on 9-of-26 shooting. Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher each added 15 for the Lakers. The Celtics clamped down on defense in the second half to rally from a five-point halftime deficit.

Boston won with defense, rebounding and grit. The Celtics enjoyed a 46-to-33 edge in rebounds, which Lakers coach Phil Jackson says was the difference in the game.

This is the 11th time these franchises have met in the NBA championship. Boston won the first eight meetings and the Lakers have won the last two championship matchups.

Game 2 is Sunday night in Boston.