Lakers vs. Celtics!!!!

February 10, 2011 - In what could be the most heated rivalry in professional sports, the Lakers faced the Celtics at the TD Garden in Boston tonight. The Lakers were 36-16 and the Celtics were 38-18 going into the game. The Lakers prevailed though, by a final score of 92-86. The Lakers were down in the first half by as many as 15 points.



It may have been a historic night for Ray Allen, but he still could not handle Kobe Bryant, the Black Mamba



The big story of the night was how Ray Allen became the all time leader in 3-pointers during a career. He broke Reggie Miller's record as he shot his 2,561st 3-pointer early in the first half of the game. But that wasn't the only plot of the night. The Celtics, going into the matchup, had the 2nd best record in the NBA and were a half game ahead of the Heat in their conference. The Lakers had the 5th best record in the league and were 3rd in the West. Not to mention the Lakers have been dealing with trade rumors in regards to their teammates and Carmelo Anthony. Not to mention, that yet again, this is the most epic rivalry in the NBA by far. Not to mention these two teams have faced eachother in 2 of the last 3 NBA championships, splitting those two series for the title.

Lamar Odom was the key to the game in my eyes, adding size, speed, and shooting to the Lakers

The Lakers put it all behind them however, and finally stepped up tonight like we knew they could. They finally got their groove back into their play. Kobe Bryant led the team in points with 23. He had acrobatic and electric scores, which we've come to expect from him through the years. He was incredible with his fadeaways, and his quick drives to the basket enabling him to penetrate and score while still getting fouled. Pau Gasol stepped up his game tonight also, as he had 20 points and 10 rebounds. Bynum, despite the trade rumors, had 16 points and 9 rebounds. In my eyes, Lamar Odom was the key to the game. He added size to the team as well as bursts of speed and great shooting, as he had 10 points and 12 rebounds.

On the other side, Ray Allen led the Celtics with 20 points, where Paul Pierce had 15 points, and Kevin Garnett tallied 11 rebounds.

Hopefully this will give the Lakers some confidence as they have been struggling as of late, against teams of both high and low caliber. I did still see some problems as I watched the game. First off though, the team is finally getting some ball movement and not taking dumb shots. They are waiting for open looks, and shooting. But Derek Fisher just can't be the point guard anymore. I know he is a leader, and a veteran, but his minutes should be cut. Shannon Brown should be the heir to his throne. He is an incredible athlete who dropped 12 points in 22 minutes of play in the game. I also believe that when the bench players are in, the squad is not as powerful as they have been in years past. I prefer Jordan Farmar over Steve Blake anyday. Either way though, I'm so hype that the team got the big W over Boston, IN Boston!!! That makes it so much sweeter.

If the squad can continue to build off this win, and gain confidence, there is no doubt in my mind that they will be champions again, gaining that well-deserved 3-peat! The Lakers record on the season is now 37-16.