The Orlando Magic needed to shoot a NBA Finals-record 63 percent to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 108-104.

The Lakers burst out of the blocks as they looked to pull out to a 3-0 lead after winning both games of the series so far in Los Angeles, but in front of their own fans the Magic responded with another record 75 percent shooting in the first half to stay in the game before pulling away in the second half.

Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis led the way with 21 points apiece, but they were more than ably-assisted by Rafer Alston with 20 points and Hedo Turkoglu and Mickael Pietrus with 18 each - the latter scoring from off the bench.

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Howard also had 14 rebounds as he dragged Orlando back into the series after a faltering start against a Lakers side determined to erase the memory of last year`s finals defeat to the Boston Celtics.

The Lakers were just as fired up for this one as they had been in LA, with Kobe Bryant impressive again.

Seeking a fourth title since 2002, Bryant poured in 31 points for the day and was largely responsible for the Lakers 31-27 lead after the opening period as he pulled off some seemingly-impossible shots.

But the Magic managed to shackle him as the game continued, restricting him to just 10 second-half points, while his frustration boiled over onto the free-throw line where he shot just five of 10.

Pau Gasol also performed well in defeat, adding 23 points but only managing an uncharacteristic three rebounds.

The Magic now have the chance to tie the match-up in game four, which will be played in Orlando again on Thursday night.