Allen, Rondo step up as Celtics dump Lakers in Game 2 to even series

LOS ANGELES —Ray Allen scored 27 of his 32 points in the first half with a record-setting 3-point shooting display as the Boston Celtics evened the NBA finals with a 103-94 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 2 on Sunday.

Allen hit a finals-record eight 3-pointers in a dazzling effort for the Celtics and Rajon Rondo racked up 19 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in his fifth playoff triple-double to hand Los Angeles its first home loss of the postseason.

Kobe Bryant scored 21 points while battling more foul trouble for the Lakers, who hadn’t lost a home playoff game since last year’s Western Conference finals.

Game 3 is Tuesday night in Boston.

Allen’s 3-pointer with 4:42 left in the third quarter allowed him to break the mark he shared with Scottie Pippen and Kenny Smith.

Allen also had made seven 3-pointers in a game against the Lakers two years ago.

The veteran sharpshooter from the University of Connecticut made his first seven 3-pointers of the game, breaking the finals record of six 3-pointers in a half.