Celtics aim to be as "desperate" as the Lakers

By Steve Ginsburg

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - The Boston Celtics plan to ratchet up their intensity against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday despite holding a commanding 3-1 lead in the NBA Finals.

With a record 17th championship in their grasp, the Celtics are taking nothing for granted in the possible series clincher at the sold-out Staples Center.

"The key is us being as desperate as them," Celtics coach Doc Rivers told reporters on Saturday.

Celtics guard Eddie House agreed.

"We know they're going to hit us with everything they have," he said. "Their back is against the wall. They're going to come out fighting.

"We just have match their fight. And actually exceed that."

Eight teams have rallied from a 3-1 deficit to win a playoff series yet none have done it in the championship round. The Lakers, however, are not about to concede anything.

"If we start the season in training camp and you come to me and say we're going to give you three cracks to win the championship, I'm going to take that," said Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.

"So I'm excited about this. This is not something we're down and out. This is still the series. We've got a big game tomorrow."

Lakers guard Sasha Vujacic insists his club has forgotten about Thursday's devastating Game Four when they squandered a 20-point third-quarter lead and lost 97-91.

"They had a storybook comeback on Thursday night," the Solvenian said. "We're looking to have one as well. Everybody's ready. Our confidence is high right now. We're ready to play."

If the Celtics can win, they will claim their first title since 1986 and prove that three offensive-minded All-Stars can indeed work together successfully.

Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge's off-season decision to bring in veterans Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to complement Paul Pierce has lifted the NBA's most storied franchise from a 24-win season a year ago to the brink of a title.

"The three of us have figured it out and made it work," said Garnett. "To be associated with those two is a blessing and it just makes me proud to be their team mate."

(Editing by Peter Rutherford)