Sasha Vujacic lifts Lakers in Game 3

Quiet for several games, "The Machine" finally powered up.
Sasha Vujacic lived up to his nickname, scoring 20 points in 28 minutes to give the Lakers the jolt they needed in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. Vujacic scored in double figures for the first time since a 10-point effort in the opener of the Western Conference finals, once again becoming a spark off the bench, much as he did for the second half of the regular season.

The timing couldn't have been better for the Lakers.

"We couldn't have won the game without his help," Coach Phil Jackson said.

Vujacic made three of five three-point shots and seven of 10 overall. He hadn't made more than half his shots since hitting five of seven in Game 6 of the Western semifinals.

"He was huge," Boston Coach Doc Rivers said. "Kobe [Bryant] was fantastic, but I thought Vujacic was the key to the game. He was aggressive, and he deserved what he got."

Vujacic's three-pointer from the left corner provided an 81-76 Lakers lead with 1:53 to play.

"That's what I love the most and that's what I live for -- those kind of games," Vujacic said.