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Game Recap

Kobe Bryant said there would be no greater tribute than to beat the Boston Celtics tonight. The Los Angeles Lakers did just that.

Despite a very emotional pregame tribute to the late Dr. Jerry Buss, who passed away on Monday after a battle with cancer, the Lakers looked focused on the task at hand.  A video tribute was played before the tip, and Kobe Bryant addressed a sold out Staples Center.  With all those in attendance observing a moment of silence, a spotlight shined upon a seat in the Buss family’s luxury box.

Once the game began, the Lakers flew out of the gates, undoubtedly playing with heavy hearts but plenty of energy.  

The story early was the play of Dwight Howard, who completely dominated Boston to the tune of 24 points and 12 rebounds.  Kobe Bryant pitched in 16 points and seven assists, but Earl Clark stole the show.

Clark finished with 14 points and a career-high 16 rebounds.  Clark’s play has to give Laker fans hope, as he was everywhere tonight and continued to knock down his mid-range jumpers.

Paul Pierce did all he could to keep the Celtics hanging around in the first half, finishing with a game-high 26 points.  Unfortunately, Boston looked tired in the second half and struggled to make up ground late in the game.

Boston’s defense was poor in nearly every facet.  Missed defensive rotations, giving up easy looks in the paint, and most importantly, losing the battle on the glass 49-34.

In the end, the Lakers’ imposed their will on Boston. Even if the game became close there was a feeling that Kobe Bryant would not let the Lakers lose this game.  From start to finish, this is the team Dr. Buss expected to put on the floor.

Somewhere, I am sure Dr. Buss is smiling, especially after beating the Celtics.

Final boxscore

A game Dr. Buss could be proud of. Lakers 113, Celtics 99.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 21, 2013

The fans rejoice as the Lakers held Boston under 100 points, which means the fans all get two free tacos!

Lakers 113, Celtics 99 - FINAL

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Nash apparently mouthed, "I'm coming after your boy (Mark Jackson)," to Jeff Van Gundy.  Jackson is third on the all-time assist list, ahead of Nash.

Lakers 108, Celtics 94 - 1:47 REMAINING 4TH QUARTER

Earl Clark spent his All-Star weekend in Hawaii w/ his wife. Said he'd mostly just relax so he could let his right foot heal

— Mark Medina (@MedinaLakersNBA) February 21, 2013

Steve Nash passes Magic Johnson

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Just like that, the Lakers go back up 20 points.

Earl Clark is having one of the best games of his career with 14 points and a career-high 15 rebounds.

Lakers 108, Celtics 88 - 3:45 REMAINING 4TH QUARTER

Kobe called for his fifth foul.  A quick run by Boston's reserves could make this interesting.

Lakers 104, Celtics 88 - 5:24 REMAINING 4TH QUARTER

The only suspense now is if the #celtics score less than 100, all Staples fans get 2 free tacos. So that will provide some motivation, huh?

— gary washburn (@GwashNBAGlobe) February 21, 2013

The All-Star break seemed to have done Nash some good; he's been moving very well tonight towards 14 pts (6 of 7 FG's), 5 asts, 4 rebs.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 21, 2013

Dwight Howard's 5th personal foul might be of more concern if LAL weren't up 20 w/7:06 left. Howard sits, Nash returns.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 21, 2013

Boston looks like they are waiting for the time to run off the clock.  Lot of one-on-one and standing around on both sides of the ball.

Lakers 104, Celtics 82 - 7:24 REMAINING 4TH QUARTER

Steve Blake has been learning from Steve Nash, a real pretty pass getting Meeks an and-1 to put LAL up 102-80, the biggest lead.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 21, 2013

A nice effort from LAL's bench pushes the 14-point lead up to 19 after a Meeks FT (tech on Doc Rivers) & 2 Jamison FT's (15 pts).

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 21, 2013

Clark really looked up to KG growing up, & has played some really good D on the Big Ticket (6 of 14 FG's). Earl has 10 pts, 12 rebs.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 21, 2013

It's been a miserable defensive night for Avery Bradley, who just left Steve Blake drive uncontested to the basket #celtics #lakers

— gary washburn (@GwashNBAGlobe) February 21, 2013

Even with Nash, Kobe and Dwight out of the game, the Boston defense is getting picked apart.  The help defense is slow to rotate and guys are getting beat of the dribble constantly.

Lakers 98, Celtics 80 - 9:12 REMAINING 4TH QUARTER

Jeff Green with a huge slam over Earl Clark.  Boston coming out with some energy in an attempt to get back in the game.

Lakers 93, Celtics 80 - 10:39 REMAINING 4TH QUARTER

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Avery Bradley with a tip-in at the buzzer.  However, the Lakers are firmly in control of this one due to their rebounding (38-26).

Lakers 90, Celtics 76 - END OF 3RD QUARTER

Steve Blake fouled by KG on a three.  He calmly knocks down all three.

Lakers 90, Celtics 74 - :46 REMAINING 3RD QUARTER

Kobe Bryant T'd up and has his 4th foul

— Mark Medina (@MedinaLakersNBA) February 21, 2013

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Earl Clark with the putback slam.  He has a double-double and the Lakers have six players in double figures already.

Lakers 87, Celtics 71 - 1:49 REMAINING 3RD QUARTER

Bryant & Nash are putting on a collective passing clinic in this 3rd Q. Kobe has 4 of his 7, Nash 3 of his 5 in the last 9 minutes.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 21, 2013

Boston made a short run, but the Lakers are scoring like crazy on the Celtics' defense.

On the second night of a back-to-back, the Celtic's looks tired.

Lakers 85, Celtics 67 - 2:51 REMAINING 3RD QUARTER