In 2008, the Celtics and Lakers faced off for the 11th time in the NBA Finals, and the first since 1987. Heading into Game 4, the Celtics were looking to extend their series lead to 3-1.
They got off to a slow start, while the Lakers came out firing from all over the floor. At the end of the first quarter, the Lakers led the Celtics by 21 points and showed no signs of stopping heading into the second. With 6:44 left in the second quarter, Sasha Vujacic drilled a three-pointer, giving the Lakers a commanding 24-point lead.
Now playing in desperation mode, the Celtics strung together a 12-0 run, cutting down the Lakers’ lead. Riding this momentum, the Celtics ended the third quarter on a 21-3 run, outscoring the Lakers by 16 in the quarter.
After an unusual first three quarters, the stage was set for a high-tempo, back-and-forth final quarter.
With 4:07 remaining, the Celtics took their first lead of the game off of a tightly contested, off-balance jump shot by Eddie House. From this point on, there were no more lead changes as the Celtics were able to pull away from the Lakers and win the game 97-91 to take a 3-1 series lead.
