With their backs against the wall, Los Angeles came out fighting and won Game 5 103-98. Boston now leads the series 3-2.

Kobe Bryant, as usual, led Los Angeles in scoring with 25 points, but the difference between their Game 4 loss and their Game 5 win was the improved play from Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol.

Both players had double-doubles – Odom with 20 points and 11 rebounds, Gasol with 19 points and 13 rebounds. When Boston whittled Los Angeles’ lead from 19 to 3 points, it was Odom and Gasol who got L.A. back on track.

“I tried to stay focused throughout the game,” Odom said. “I thought last game that I played, I thought I didn’t make enough plays down in the fourth quarter. I just wanted to stay focused, make plays throughout the game.”

Paul Pierce had another monster game for Boston with 38 points, but it was not enough. Game 6 is Tuesday in Boston.