Stirring revival puts Celtics on the brink

PAUL PIERCE hailed the character of the Boston Celtics after they stormed back from a 24-point deficit to beat the Los Angeles Lakers and move within one game of the NBA title.

The Celtics looked down and out in the first period but Pierce, who scored 20 points, led the resurgence as they hit back to claim a dramatic 97-91 win and claim a 3-1 series edge.

They can clinch the crown with victory in Game Five in Los Angeles tomorrow.