Lakers-Celtics Preview

By JEFF MEZYDLO
Posted Feb 09 2011 10:11PM

Boston got the best of the Lakers in Los Angeles in their NBA finals rematch last month. However, based on their recent regular-season play at TD Garden, the Lakers have a good chance to split the season series.

The Lakers hope to avenge that defeat with a third straight regular-season road victory over the banged-up Celtics on Thursday night.

Behind 32 points from Paul Pierce, Boston shot a road season-high 60.3 percent in a 109-96 win over the Lakers on Jan. 30. It was the Celtics' first trip to Staples Center since their 83-79 loss there in Game 7 of the NBA finals June 17.

Though the Celtics claim last season's near-miss wasn't a motivational factor for their latest matchup, Pierce couldn't help but look ahead to what might lie down the road for both clubs.

"If we had home court last year, who knows maybe what happens in Game 7?" Pierce said. "We're not looking ahead, but maybe if it comes down to another Game 7, maybe we'll have it at home."

That remains a possibility, as Boston (38-13) leads the Eastern Conference by one-half game over Miami while Los Angeles (36-16) is third in the West.

The Celtics are 23-4 at home but have dropped two of three overall and been plagued by injuries of late. Boston dressed only 10 players while shooting 40.8 percent in Monday's 94-89 loss at Charlotte.

Though Pierce is expected to play despite missing practice Wednesday while home sick, Shaquille O'Neal will miss a fourth straight game with a sore Achilles' tendon and backup center Semih Erden his second due a strained leg muscle. The Celtics continue to play without veterans Jermaine O'Neal (knee) and Delonte West (wrist).

Those injuries won't give the Lakers reason to relax with Kevin Garnett, Glen Davis and Kendrick Perkins still in the paint. Garnett had 18 points with 13 rebounds at Los Angeles last month.

"We're going to have to be really physical, really solid, really aggressive in order to be successful in Boston," Pau Gasol told the Lakers' official website.

The Lakers also must worry about Ray Allen, who needs to make two 3-pointers to break Reggie Miller's NBA career record of 2,560. Allen is grateful he has a chance to reach that milestone in front of the home crowd.

"It just seems right, just being in this building, because so many people have followed me and have so much fan support," Allen told the Celtics' official website. "It's like, what place to be better than in the Garden? So I'm glad that I'm able to be here and have the opportunity."

Allen, who scored 25 points at Charlotte, has totaled 45 in his last two regular-season games against the Lakers - both in Los Angeles. However, he's averaged 8.3 on 11-of-44 shooting the last four home games versus Los Angeles, including playoffs.

Though the Lakers went 1-2 at TD Garden in the finals, they have won four of five regular-season meetings in Boston, including the last two by one point each.

Kobe Bryant, who matched a season high with 41 points against the Celtics on Jan. 30, has averaged 29.7 his last 15 regular-season and playoff games in Boston.

Bryant's 19 points led six Lakers in double figures as they improved to 2-0 on their seven-game road trip with a 93-84 win over Memphis on Monday.

Copyright 2011 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited

Kobe rallies Lakers past Allen, Celtics 92-86

Posted Feb 11 2011 4:03AM

BOSTON (AP) Kobe Bryant bumped fists with Ray Allen, a show of respect for a player who entered the NBA with him 15 years ago and had just become the league's 3-point king.

As Allen went off the court for a victory lap, the roar of the fans made Boston's arena sound like mid-June.

Then it was time for Bryant to quiet them down.

The All-Star guard scored 20 of his 23 points in the second half, rallying the Los Angeles Lakers to a 92-86 victory over the Celtics on Thursday night in an NBA finals rematch.

Allen became the career leader in 3-pointers in the first quarter, but Bryant later put him on the bench in foul trouble during his big second half as Los Angeles overcame an early 15-point deficit.

"In the first half, they got a lot of easy opportunities in transition, a lot of easy catch-and-shoots and things like that," Bryant said. "We just kind of had to put a stop to it."

Pau Gasol added 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who split the regular-season series with their biggest rivals and got a sorely needed victory - the best of the season, according to center Andrew Bynum - against one of the league's top teams.

"It's always fun to beat Boston," Bynum said.

Bynum, the subject of trade rumors in the never-ending Carmelo Anthony saga, finished with 16 points and nine rebounds.

As Bryant exited the locker room, a security guard told the superstar he would see him in June.

That would be fine with Bryant.

"This is one of the best atmospheres, if not the best atmosphere playing in the league today," Bryant said.

It was at its raucous best in the first quarter, when Allen hit two 3-pointers to pass former Indiana Pacers star Reggie Miller (2,560), who was sitting courtside calling the game for TNT. But Allen made only one more and had 20 points after scoring 12 in the first quarter.

"I almost felt a little embarrassed because there was so much attention surrounding this 3-point record," Allen said. "It was so overwhelming, but it was a great moment. I'll remember this for the rest of my life."

Paul Pierce had 15 points for the Celtics, who came in shooting an NBA-best 49.7 percent and shredded the Lakers for 60 percent shooting in their 109-96 victory at Los Angeles on Jan. 30, but went cold after a strong start in this one and finished at 40 percent.

Without Shaquille O'Neal and Jermaine O'Neal, the Celtics were outrebounded 47-36. Kevin Garnett had 11 boards, but shot only 4 of 13 for his 10 points.

"Definitely hurts when you are down a number of guys, but we aren't going to make excuses because we had a 13, 14-point lead," Pierce said. "At the end of the day, you have four All-Stars you put on the court and we are more than capable of winning these types of games."

Bryant scored 41 points in the January loss, but seemed headed nowhere near it after taking only three shots in the first half. He had a quick flurry out of halftime, then had eight points in the final 4:51 to help the Lakers hold on.

"You knew once he saw it was a chance to win, Kobe was going to be Kobe," Celtics coach Doc Rivers said. "I think we knew that a week ago."

Lamar Odom finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds and one headache for the Lakers, who moved to 3-0 on their seven-game Grammys road trip that continues Friday in New York.

Down eight at halftime, Los Angeles return from the locker room with a 10-0 burst, and it was back and forth the remainder of the third quarter. The Lakers scored six consecutive points late in the period, the last two in painful fashion after Odom tipped in Gasol's miss, then their heads collided as they turned to run downcourt. Los Angeles led 72-68 after three.

"The third quarter we decided to play some defense and Kobe got hot. It's just that simple," Bynum said. "We stopped being so late on the rotations. Pierce wasn't quite as effective."

Sporting a large bandage on his forehead, Odom opened the fourth with a 3-pointer, but the Celtics were only down three midway through the period before Bryant made two jumpers and a layup to push the lead to 88-79 with 3:12 remaining. Boston got back within five, but Bryant found Gasol for a bucket underneath, then had a jumper with 48 seconds to play.

It gets no easier for the Celtics, who host Miami on Sunday in a showdown of Eastern Conference powers.

Allen tied the record with his first 3-pointer with 4:14 left in the first quarter, but missed on the next possession with the crowd ready to roar. He nailed the record breaker with 1:48 to go, taking a pass from Rajon Rondo as he trailed on a delayed break and pulling up from the right wing for a 22-14 lead.

Allen had 12 points in the period, then was honored during the break with a loud, standing ovation. The sharpshooter from the University of Connecticut hugged Miller, then his mother before going into the crowd to see his family, and got a fist bump from Bryant, a rival from the draft class of 1996. A video montage in the second quarter showed highlights from his earlier years in Milwaukee and Seattle.

It seemed there'd be plenty of time for celebrating his big night when the Celtics rolled to a 15-point lead on Allen's dunk with 5:28 left in the half. But the Lakers ran off 10 in a row later in the half and were down only 53-45 at halftime.

NOTES: Celtics reserve guard Nate Robinson limped off with a bruised right knee in the second quarter, and it was determined at halftime he wouldn't return. With Allen and then backup Von Wafer forced to the bench by foul trouble, the Celtics had to go to rookie Avery Bradley, recently recalled from the NBA Development League, to defend Bryant late in the third quarter. ... Allen received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award for January for his support of U.S. troops overseas and his local charity efforts.

Copyright 2011 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited

Lakers-Celtics notebook

By Brian Robb, for NBA.com
Posted Friday February 11, 2011 12:16AM

THE FACTS: Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers spoiled a milestone night for Ray Allen as the defending champions defeated the undermanned Boston Celtics 92-86 at TD Garden. Allen became the NBA's career leader in 3-pointers in the first quarter, passing Reggie Miller's all-time mark of 2,560. That was the highlight of Allen and the Celtics' night however, as the Lakers fought back from an early double-digit deficit before taking control of the contest in the second half. Bryant keyed the comeback for the Lakers by scoring 20 of his 23 points after halftime, while also sending Allen to the bench with foul trouble in the third quarter. The rest of Bryant's teammates also stepped up defensively to help limit Boston to just 33 points in the final 24 minutes. Pau Gasol had a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers, who have now won three straight games on their extended road trip. Allen tallied 20 points to lead the Celtics.

QUOTABLE: "It seemed like it was slow motion for me. When I got the ball and let it go, it felt so good, that once I let it go I knew it was good. It was definitely a magical moment."
-- Ray Allen on his shot to set the NBA record for most made 3-point field goals

THE STAT: After allowing the Celtics to shoot over 60 percent in the team's initial meeting this year, the Lakers tightened the screws on their defense in their rematch with Boston. The added effort showed tonight as the Celtics shot a mere 30.2 percent in the closing 24 minutes, enabling the Lakers to outscore them by 14 points in the second half on their way to the victory.

TURNING POINT: With the Lakers clinging to a three-point lead halfway through the final frame, a rested Bryant returned to the game and took command immediately against a fatigued Celtics team. The All-Star hit three straight buckets to spark a 6-0 run for Los Angeles, building a nine-point lead the C's were unable to recover from the rest of the way.

QUOTABLE II: "We just made things a little bit tougher. In the first half, they got a lot of easy opportunities in transition, a lot of easy catch and shoots. We just had to put a stop to it."
-- Kobe Bryant on what changed in the second half

HOT: Allen -- The 15-year veteran got the TD Garden rocking early, coming out of the gate scorching on his way to breaking Miller's 3-point record. Allen scored 12 of his team high 20 points in the opening frame, jumpstarting his team into an early seven-point lead.

NOT: Rajon Rondo -- The NBA's assist leader hit the ground running early on, hitting his first three shots. The point guard cooled off considerably the rest of the way, missing nine of his final eleven shots while failing to take advantage of the Lakers' sagging defense on him.

QUOTABLE III: "I hope we're motivated every night. We got a 1-7 record against power teams, so this win is important, playing our game and finding ourselves in a game, which we were highly competitive, and not losing ourselves while having our identity."
-- Lakers head coach Phil Jackson

FANTASY SPOTLIGHT: Gasol provided a reliable source of scoring down low all night long for Los Angeles, hitting eight of his 13 attempts on the evening. With the impressive line, Gasol is now shooting over 63 percent during the month of February.

NOTABLE: Allen hit three 3-pointers during the contest and finished with 2,562 made field goals from beyond the arc, two ahead of Miller's career mark. He embraced Miller, along with his family at the end of the first quarter as the TD Garden gave the sharpshooter an extended standing ovation for his feat. Nate Robinson left the game with 8:21 remaining in the second quarter with a bruised right knee after landing on Shannon Brown taking a 3-pointer. He did not return and his departure left the Celtics with just nine active players for the final three quarters. The Lakers dominated all night down low, outscoring the C's 50-32 in the paint while also holding a commanding 47-36 edge on the glass. Los Angeles also held a 16-9 advantage in second-chance points. Boston had just nine turnovers, five below their season average. Both teams wore throwback uniforms, with the Lakers wearing their home yellow jersey on the road. Boston led by as many as 15 points in the first half. Lamar Odom provided a double-double off the bench for the victors with 10 points and 12 rebounds, including six offensive. The Celtics dressed only 10 players.

UP NEXT: For the Lakers, Friday @ New York, Sunday @ Orlando, Monday @ Charlotte. For the Celtics, Sunday vs. Miami, Wednesday vs. New Jersey, Tuesday @ Golden State.

• Lakers: Barnes, Ratliff
• Celtics: Daniels, O'Neal, West

• Lakers: Bryant
• Celtics: --

• Lead Changes: 8
• Times Tied: 9

• Arena: TD Garden, Boston, MA
• Officials: #48 Scott Foster, #31 Scott Wall, #11 Derrick Collins
• Attendance: 18624
• Duration: 2:30

Los Angeles Lakers (37-16)		Boston Celtics (38-14)
Start of 1st Quarter
(12:00) Jump Ball Perkins vs Bynum (Garnett gains possession)
	11:41	Allen Jump Shot: Missed
Gasol Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	11:41
Bryant Jump Shot: Missed	11:18
Bryant Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	11:17
Bynum Tip Shot: Made (2 PTS)	11:17 [LAL 2-0]
	11:01 [BOS 2-2]	Rondo Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Garnett (1 AST)
Artest Jump Shot: Missed	10:42
Gasol Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	10:40
Gasol Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Bryant (1 AST)	10:27 [LAL 4-2]
	10:05 [BOS 4-4]	Allen Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Rondo (1 AST)
Bynum Turnover : Step Out of Bounds Turnover (1 TO)	09:48
	09:39	Pierce Jump Shot: Missed
Gasol Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	09:38
Bynum Hook Shot: Missed	09:28
	09:27	Garnett Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	09:06	Garnett Jump Shot: Missed
Artest Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	09:05
	08:57	Garnett Violation:Defensive Goaltending
Artest Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)	08:57 [LAL 6-4]
	08:38 [BOS 6-6]	Allen Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Rondo (2 AST)
Gasol Jump Shot: Missed	08:23
	08:20	Team Rebound
	07:59 [BOS 8-6]	Garnett Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Rondo (3 AST)
Gasol Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Bryant (2 AST)	07:45 [LAL 8-8]
	07:24	Allen 3pt Shot: Missed
Gasol Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	07:23
Bynum Dunk Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Fisher (1 AST)	07:12 [LAL 10-8]
	06:51 [BOS 10-10]	Garnett Step Back Jump shot: Made (4 PTS)
	06:37	Jump Ball Perkins vs Bynum (Bynum gains possession)
Gasol Jump Shot: Missed	06:20
	06:19	Pierce Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
Artest Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	06:10
	06:10 [BOS 11-10]	Perkins Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
	06:10 [BOS 12-10]	Perkins Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)
Fisher Jump Shot: Missed	05:59
Bynum Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	05:58
	05:58	Pierce Foul : Personal (1 PF)
	05:58	Team Timeout : Regular
	05:58	Perkins Substitution replaced by Davis
Artest 3pt Shot: Missed	05:53
	05:52	Garnett Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	05:35	Pierce Turnaround Fade Away shot: Missed
Bryant Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	05:33
	05:17	Rondo Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Bynum Hook Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Fisher (2 AST)	05:08 [LAL 12-12]
	05:08	Davis Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Bynum Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed	05:08
	05:08	Garnett Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
Fisher Foul : Personal (1 PF)	04:55
Bryant Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	04:49
	04:49 [BOS 13-12]	Pierce Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
	04:49 [BOS 14-12]	Pierce Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)
Artest Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)	04:29
	04:14 [BOS 17-12]	Allen 3pt Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Garnett (2 AST)
Fisher 3pt Shot: Missed	04:01
	04:00	Garnett Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	03:55	Allen 3pt Shot: Missed
Artest Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	03:53
Gasol Dunk Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Fisher (3 AST)	03:35 [LAL 14-17]
Gasol Foul : Personal (1 PF)	03:21
	03:21	Garnett Substitution replaced by Perkins
Gasol Substitution replaced by Odom	03:21
	03:06 [BOS 19-14]	Allen Jump Shot: Made (9 PTS)
Bynum Foul : Offensive (1 PF)	02:56
Bynum Turnover : Foul (2 TO)	02:56
Team Timeout : Regular	02:56
	02:56	Pierce Substitution replaced by Wafer
Artest Substitution replaced by Brown	02:56
Fisher Substitution replaced by Blake	02:56
	02:37	Perkins Hook Shot: Missed Block: Bynum (1 BLK)
	02:36	Team Rebound
	02:32	Allen 3pt Shot: Missed
Blake Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	02:30
	02:27	Allen Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Odom Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Rondo (1 ST)	02:15
	01:59	Davis Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed
Odom Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	01:58
Brown Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Wafer (1 ST)	01:54
	01:48 [BOS 22-14]	Allen 3pt Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Rondo (4 AST)
Blake 3pt Shot: Missed	01:27
Team Rebound	01:26
	01:26	Perkins Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Bynum Free Throw 1 of 2 (7 PTS)	01:26 [LAL 15-22]
Bynum Free Throw 2 of 2 (8 PTS)	01:26 [LAL 16-22]
	01:14 [BOS 24-16]	Rondo Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS)
Blake Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	01:14
	01:14 [BOS 25-16]	Rondo Free Throw 1 of 1 (5 PTS)
Bynum Layup Shot: Missed Block: Perkins (1 BLK)	01:05
Odom Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	01:03
Odom Layup Shot: Missed Block: Perkins (2 BLK)	01:02
Odom Rebound (Off:2 Def:1)	01:00
Odom Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)	00:58.9 [LAL 18-25]
	00:40.8 [BOS 27-18]	Rondo Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS)
Bryant Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Odom (1 AST)	00:24.3 [LAL 20-27]
	00:00.3	Team Turnover : Shot Clock Turnover
End of 1st Quarter
Los Angeles Lakers (37-16)		Boston Celtics (38-14)
Start of 2nd QuarterBack to Top
Gasol Jump Shot: Missed Block: Pierce (1 BLK)	11:41
	11:40	Perkins Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	11:26 [BOS 29-20]	Davis Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Pierce (1 AST)
Artest Driving Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Gasol (1 AST)	11:12 [LAL 22-29]
	11:12	Pierce Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Artest Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed	11:12
	11:12	Robinson Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	10:54 [BOS 31-22]	Davis Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Pierce (2 AST)
Blake Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	10:54
	10:54 [BOS 32-22]	Davis Free Throw 1 of 1 (5 PTS)
Gasol Jump Shot: Missed	10:41
	10:39	Davis Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	10:32	Pierce Jump Shot: Missed
Gasol Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	10:31
Odom Hook Shot: Missed	10:24
	10:23	Perkins Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	10:20 [BOS 34-22]	Wafer Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Robinson (1 AST)
Blake Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	10:20
Blake Substitution replaced by Fisher	10:20
	10:20 [BOS 35-22]	Wafer Free Throw 1 of 1 (3 PTS)
Odom Jump Shot: Missed	10:10
	10:09	Pierce Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
Odom Foul : Personal (1 PF)	10:08
	10:00	Perkins Foul : Offensive (2 PF)
	10:00	Perkins Turnover : Foul (1 TO)
Brown 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Gasol (2 AST)	09:41 [LAL 25-35]
	09:14 [BOS 37-25]	Perkins Reverse Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Wafer (1 AST)
	08:55
Fisher Substitution replaced by Bryant	08:55
	08:45	Robinson Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Brown Free Throw 1 of 3 (4 PTS)	08:45 [LAL 26-37]
Brown Free Throw 2 of 3 (5 PTS)	08:45 [LAL 27-37]
Brown Free Throw 3 of 3 (6 PTS)	08:45 [LAL 28-37]
	08:28 [BOS 40-28]	Wafer 3pt Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Pierce (3 AST)
	08:21	Robinson Foul : Personal (2 PF)
	08:21	Robinson Substitution replaced by Rondo
Brown Foul : Offensive (1 PF)	08:01
Brown Turnover : Foul (2 TO)	08:01
	07:44	Davis Jump Shot: Missed
	07:43	Perkins Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	07:39	Wafer 3pt Shot: Missed
Artest Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	07:38
Artest 3pt Shot: Missed	07:23
	07:22	Perkins Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	07:12 [BOS 42-28]	Pierce Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Rondo (5 AST)
Gasol Jump Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Bryant (3 AST)	06:57 [LAL 30-42]
	06:34	Davis Jump Shot: Missed Block: Odom (1 BLK)
Odom Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)	06:32
Odom Layup Shot: Missed	06:28
	06:26	Perkins Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	06:18	Pierce 3pt Shot: Missed
Bryant Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	06:17
Artest Jump Shot: Missed Block: Wafer (1 BLK)	06:12
Team Rebound	06:11
	06:11	Team Timeout : Regular
	06:11	Davis Substitution replaced by Garnett
	06:11	Wafer Substitution replaced by Allen
Artest Substitution replaced by Bynum	06:11
Odom Substitution replaced by Fisher	06:11
Brown Substitution replaced by Walton	06:11
Walton 3pt Shot: Missed	06:03
	06:01	Pierce Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
Bynum Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	05:54
	05:54 [BOS 43-30]	Perkins Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)
	05:54	Perkins Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Bryant Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	05:53
	05:41	Pierce Foul : Personal (3 PF)
	05:41	Pierce Substitution replaced by Wafer
Fisher Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Garnett (1 ST)	05:33
	05:28 [BOS 45-30]	Allen Dunk Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Rondo (6 AST)
Bynum Turnover : 3 Second Violation (3 TO)	05:19
	04:55	Garnett Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)
Bryant Jump Shot: Missed	04:45
Walton Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	04:43
Bynum Hook Shot: Made (10 PTS)	04:25 [LAL 32-45]
	04:06 [BOS 47-32]	Wafer Driving Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Garnett (3 AST)
	03:50	Garnett Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Gasol Free Throw 1 of 2 (9 PTS)	03:50 [LAL 33-47]
Walton Substitution replaced by Brown	03:50
Gasol Free Throw 2 of 2 (10 PTS)	03:50 [LAL 34-47]
	03:32 [BOS 49-34]	Garnett Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Rondo (7 AST)
Gasol Hook Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Fisher (4 AST)	03:09 [LAL 36-49]
	02:56	Perkins Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Brown (1 ST)
Brown Dunk Shot: Made (8 PTS)	02:52 [LAL 38-49]
	02:32	Rondo Running Jump Shot: Missed
Bynum Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	02:31
	02:19	Garnett Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Team Timeout : Regular	02:19
	02:19	Perkins Substitution replaced by Davis
Bynum Free Throw 1 of 2 (11 PTS)	02:19 [LAL 39-49]
Bynum Free Throw 2 of 2 (12 PTS)	02:19 [LAL 40-49]
	02:05	Rondo Jump Shot: Missed
Gasol Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)	02:04
	01:55	Wafer Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Fisher Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)	01:55 [LAL 41-49]
Fisher Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)	01:55 [LAL 42-49]
	01:36	Rondo Jump Shot: Missed
Bynum Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	01:35
Fisher Pullup Jump shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Brown (1 AST)	01:12 [LAL 44-49]
	00:57.9	Allen Jump Bank Shot: Missed
Gasol Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)	00:55.9
Bynum Turnover : 3 Second Violation (4 TO)	00:47.2
	00:47.2	Team Timeout : Short
Bynum Substitution replaced by Odom	00:47.2
	00:36.9	Garnett Layup Shot: Missed Block: Gasol (1 BLK)
	00:35.8	Garnett Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
Gasol Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	00:35.8
	00:35.8 [BOS 50-44]	Garnett Free Throw 1 of 2 (7 PTS)
	00:35.8 [BOS 51-44]	Garnett Free Throw 2 of 2 (8 PTS)
	00:24.2	Wafer Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Bryant Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	00:24.2
Team Rebound	00:24.2
	00:24.2	Davis Substitution replaced by Pierce
Gasol Substitution replaced by Artest	00:24.2
Bryant Free Throw 2 of 2 (3 PTS)	00:24.2 [LAL 45-51]
	00:01.7 [BOS 53-45]	Pierce Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Rondo (8 AST)
End of 2nd Quarter
Los Angeles Lakers (37-16)		Boston Celtics (38-14)
Start of 3rd QuarterBack to Top
Fisher 3pt Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Gasol (3 AST)	11:49 [LAL 48-53]
	11:30	Garnett Jump Shot: Missed
Bryant Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	11:29
Bryant Running Jump Shot: Made (5 PTS)	11:19 [LAL 50-53]
	11:19	Allen Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Bryant Free Throw 1 of 1 (6 PTS)	11:19 [LAL 51-53]
	11:03	Rondo Jump Shot: Missed
Bynum Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	11:01
Bryant Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS)	10:50 [LAL 53-53]
	10:32	Allen 3pt Shot: Missed
Gasol Rebound (Off:1 Def:7)	10:31
Gasol Jump Shot: Made (14 PTS)	10:18 [LAL 55-53]
	10:00 [BOS 55-55]	Pierce Running Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS)
Bryant Jump Shot: Missed	09:35
	09:34	Perkins Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)
	09:14 [BOS 57-55]	Perkins Hook Shot: Made (7 PTS)
Gasol Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	09:14
	09:14	Perkins Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed
	09:14	Garnett Rebound (Off:2 Def:4)
	09:11	Garnett Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (2 TO)
Bryant Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)	08:50
Bryant Technical	08:50
	08:50 [BOS 58-55]	Allen Free Throw Technical (15 PTS)
	08:35	Rondo Jump Shot: Missed Block: Bryant (1 BLK)
	08:33	Garnett Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)
	08:25 [BOS 60-55]	Perkins Jump Bank Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Rondo (9 AST)
Fisher Jump Shot: Missed Block: Allen (1 BLK)	08:01
Fisher Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	08:00
Fisher Jump Shot: Missed	07:56
	07:55	Garnett Rebound (Off:3 Def:5)
	07:39	Garnett Jump Shot: Missed
Bynum Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	07:38
Gasol Jump Bank Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Bynum (1 AST)	07:21 [LAL 57-60]
Fisher Foul : Personal (2 PF)	07:07
	07:01	Allen Foul : Offensive (3 PF)
	07:01	Allen Turnover : Foul (1 TO)
	06:42	Allen Foul : Personal (4 PF)
	06:42	Allen Substitution replaced by Wafer
Bryant Turnaround Fade Away shot: Made (10 PTS)	06:33 [LAL 59-60]
	06:16	Perkins Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (3 TO)
Bynum Dunk Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Gasol (4 AST)	05:59 [LAL 61-60]
	05:56	Team Timeout : Regular
	05:56	Perkins Substitution replaced by Davis
	05:42	Pierce Jump Shot: Missed
Bynum Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)	05:41
Bynum Turnaround Jump Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Fisher (5 AST)	05:23 [LAL 63-60]
	05:02	Davis Jump Shot: Missed
Gasol Rebound (Off:1 Def:8)	05:01
Bryant Jump Shot: Missed	04:40
	04:39	Pierce Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	04:31 [BOS 62-63]	Pierce Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (10 PTS)
Bryant Jump Bank Shot: Made (12 PTS)	04:12 [LAL 65-62]
	04:12	Wafer Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Bryant Free Throw 1 of 1 (13 PTS)	04:12 [LAL 66-62]
	04:01 [BOS 64-66]	Garnett Jump Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Rondo (10 AST)
Bryant Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed	03:46
	03:45	Team Rebound
	03:24	Garnett Jump Shot: Missed
	03:23	Rondo Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	03:23	Rondo Tip Shot: Missed
Bynum Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)	03:22
Team Timeout : Regular	03:11
Bynum Substitution replaced by Odom	03:11
Fisher Substitution replaced by Brown	03:11
	03:11	Garnett Substitution replaced by Perkins
Bryant Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed	02:58
	02:57	Perkins Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)
	02:40	Pierce Jump Shot: Missed
	02:39	Rondo Rebound (Off:2 Def:0)
	02:33	Wafer 3pt Shot: Missed
	02:32	Perkins Rebound (Off:2 Def:6)
	02:29 [BOS 67-66]	Pierce 3pt Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Perkins (1 AST)
	02:13	Wafer Foul : Shooting (4 PF)
Bryant Free Throw 1 of 2 (14 PTS)	02:13 [LAL 67-67]
Bryant Free Throw 2 of 2 (15 PTS)	02:13 [LAL 68-67]
	01:53	Pierce Jump Shot: Missed
	01:52	Rondo Rebound (Off:3 Def:0)
Odom Foul : Personal (2 PF)	01:51
	01:36	Wafer 3pt Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	01:36
	01:36	Perkins Foul : Loose Ball (3 PF)
Gasol Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	01:36
Team Rebound	01:36
Gasol Free Throw 2 of 2 (17 PTS)	01:36 [LAL 69-67]
	01:27	Pierce Jump Shot: Missed
Odom Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)	01:25
	01:17	Wafer Foul : Shooting (5 PF)
Gasol Free Throw 1 of 2 (18 PTS)	01:17 [LAL 70-67]
	01:17	Wafer Substitution replaced by Bradley
Gasol Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	01:17
	01:17	Perkins Rebound (Off:2 Def:7)
	01:03	Rondo Jump Shot: Missed
Artest Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	01:02
Gasol Jump Shot: Missed	00:51.9
Odom Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)	00:51.1
Odom Tip Shot: Made (4 PTS)	00:51.1 [LAL 72-67]
Artest Foul : Personal (2 PF)	00:46.2
Odom Substitution replaced by Bynum	00:46.2
	00:46.2	Perkins Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	00:46.2	Team Rebound
	00:46.2 [BOS 68-72]	Perkins Free Throw 2 of 2 (10 PTS)
Bryant Turnover : Traveling (2 TO)	00:29.0
	00:08.9	Davis Jump Shot: Missed
Gasol Rebound (Off:1 Def:9)	00:07.9
Bryant Foul : Offensive (2 PF)	00:01.9
Bryant Turnover : Foul (3 TO)	00:01.9
	00:00.0	Davis 3pt Shot: Missed
	00:00.0	Team Rebound
End of 3rd Quarter
Los Angeles Lakers (37-16)		Boston Celtics (38-14)
Start of 4th QuarterBack to Top
	11:47	Rondo Jump Shot: Missed Block: Odom (2 BLK)
Blake Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	11:46
Brown Turnover : Traveling (3 TO)	11:45
	11:32	Allen Jump Shot: Missed
	11:31	Rondo Rebound (Off:4 Def:0)
	11:31	Rondo Tip Shot: Missed
Odom Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)	11:26
Odom 3pt Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Blake (1 AST)	11:18 [LAL 75-68]
	10:56	Davis Jump Shot: Missed
Blake Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	10:54
Bynum Jump Shot: Missed	10:36
Brown Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	10:35
Brown Tip Shot: Made (10 PTS)	10:35 [LAL 77-68]
	10:12	Perkins Layup Shot: Missed Block: Odom (3 BLK)
Odom Rebound (Off:3 Def:5)	10:10
Brown Jump Shot: Missed	09:56
Team Rebound	09:55
	09:55	Davis Substitution replaced by Garnett
Team Turnover : Shot Clock Turnover	09:47
	09:34 [BOS 70-77]	Perkins Dunk Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Allen (1 AST)
	09:15	Perkins Foul : Personal (4 PF)
	09:03	Perkins Foul : Shooting Block (5 PF)
	09:03	Perkins Substitution replaced by Davis
Odom Free Throw 1 of 2 (8 PTS)	09:03 [LAL 78-70]
Odom Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	09:03
	09:03	Garnett Rebound (Off:3 Def:6)
Odom Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	08:50
	08:50
	08:50 [BOS 71-78]	Davis Free Throw 1 of 2 (6 PTS)
	08:50 [BOS 72-78]	Davis Free Throw 2 of 2 (7 PTS)
Odom Alley Oop Layup shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Brown (2 AST)	08:35 [LAL 80-72]
	08:18 [BOS 75-80]	Allen 3pt Shot: Made (18 PTS) Assist: Davis (1 AST)
Blake Running Jump Shot: Missed	07:57
	07:54	Team Rebound
	07:35 [BOS 77-80]	Pierce Running Layup Shot: Made (15 PTS) Assist: Garnett (4 AST)
Brown Jump Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Blake (2 AST)	07:14 [LAL 82-77]
	07:02	Garnett Layup Shot: Missed
Bynum Rebound (Off:1 Def:7)	07:01
Odom 3pt Shot: Missed	06:37
	06:36	Davis Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	06:24 [BOS 79-82]	Rondo Layup Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Davis (2 AST)
Brown Jump Shot: Missed	05:57
	05:56	Allen Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	05:46	Allen Jump Shot: Missed
	05:44	Garnett Rebound (Off:4 Def:6)
	05:39	Pierce 3pt Shot: Missed
Bynum Rebound (Off:1 Def:8)	05:38
Bynum Jump Shot: Missed	05:22
	05:20	Davis Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	05:04	Team Timeout : Regular
Bynum Substitution replaced by Gasol	05:04
Blake Substitution replaced by Fisher	05:04
Brown Substitution replaced by Bryant	05:04
	05:01	Garnett Turnover : Lost Ball (3 TO) Steal:Odom (1 ST)
Bryant Turnaround Fade Away shot: Made (17 PTS)	04:49 [LAL 84-79]
	04:27	Garnett Jump Shot: Missed
	04:26	Davis Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	04:16	Garnett Jump Shot: Missed
	04:16	Davis Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)
Bryant Foul : Personal (3 PF)	04:16
	04:02	Allen Jump Bank Shot: Missed
Odom Rebound (Off:3 Def:6)	04:01
Bryant Jump Shot: Made (19 PTS) Assist: Artest (1 AST)	03:47 [LAL 86-79]
	03:28	Pierce Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Artest (1 ST)
	03:26	Rondo Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Bryant Layup Shot: Made (21 PTS)	03:11 [LAL 88-79]
	03:11	Team Timeout : Regular
	03:03	Garnett Layup Shot: Missed
	03:02	Team Rebound
Fisher Foul : Loose Ball (3 PF)	03:02
	02:54 [BOS 81-88]	Rondo Jump Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Garnett (5 AST)
Bryant Jump Shot: Missed	02:33
	02:32	Rondo Rebound (Off:4 Def:1)
Gasol Foul : Personal (4 PF)	02:31
	02:17 [BOS 83-88]	Davis Layup Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Pierce (4 AST)
Fisher Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Pierce (1 ST)	02:03
	02:02	Pierce Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO)
Gasol Layup Shot: Made (20 PTS) Assist: Bryant (4 AST)	01:43 [LAL 90-83]
Odom Foul : Shooting (4 PF)	01:27
	01:27	Rondo Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	01:27	Team Rebound
	01:27 [BOS 84-90]	Rondo Free Throw 2 of 2 (12 PTS)
Bryant 3pt Shot: Missed	01:13
Odom Rebound (Off:4 Def:6)	01:09
Bryant Step Back Jump shot: Made (23 PTS)	00:48.8 [LAL 92-84]
	00:48.8	Team Timeout : Regular
	00:36.9	Allen 3pt Shot: Missed
Artest Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)	00:35.9
	00:34.6	Pierce Foul : Personal (4 PF)
Odom Layup Shot: Missed Block: Davis (1 BLK)	00:16.9
Odom Rebound (Off:5 Def:6)	00:15.5
Odom Layup Shot: Missed Block: Garnett (1 BLK)	00:13.8
Odom Rebound (Off:6 Def:6)	00:11.8
Odom Layup Shot: Missed	00:09.9
	00:08.8	Garnett Rebound (Off:4 Def:7)
	00:07.8 [BOS 86-92]	Allen Dunk Shot: Made (20 PTS)
End of 4th Quarter

broadcast information
country		channel			time
usa			TNT	National	8:00 pm ET
		--	WEEI	Local	8:00 pm ET
		--	KSPN	Local	8:00 pm ET
canada			TSN2	national	8:00 pm ET