Boston Celtics guard Ray Allen (20) defends against Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant in the second half during their NBA basketball game in Los Angeles, California, January 30, 2011. REUTERS

LOS ANGELES, Jan 30 - The Boston Celtics gained a measure of revenge from last season's disheartening NBA Finals by defeating the Los Angeles Lakers 109-96 on Sunday.

In the first meeting between the rivals since the Lakers won a Game Seven duel to capture the NBA title, Paul Pierce scored 32 points and the East-leading Celtics overcame a season-high tying 41 from Bryant to triumph at the site of last summer's heartbreak.

Boston (36-11) trailed by seven in the third, but Pierce caught fire with 12 straight Celtics points to help the visitors claim a 77-72 edge at the end of three quarters.

A late assault by Bryant brought the Lakers (33-15) within four points in the final five minutes, but Boston got late baskets by Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, who finished with 21, to clinch the game with a 16-4 run.