Boston Celtics Snap Winning Streak in Thrilling Overtime Loss to Lakers

If people ever wondered why the Celtics and the Lakers were the best rivalry in the NBA, I would point them to this game. Throw all of the history out the window and you are left with this most recent chapter of the rivalry. 

A regular season game with a playoff atmosphere, back-and-forth action throughout, great shots and dunks, stars shining and an overtime is as good as it gets. And at the end of the fourth quarter and overtime, that the Celtics had the last shot to win the game out of a timeout made the game all that more exciting.

Both times, the Celtics players walked out of the huddle with "BEAT LA" chants resonating from the stands. Unfortunately though, both times, the Celtics also failed to convert on these game-winning shots.

On the final possession of the fourth quarter, the Celtics ran a play they often executed in this same situation (most notably, in game one against the Knicks last year): a pick, then a back-pick to free Ray Allen for three. Unfortunately, the Lakers did their homework and planned to stop that play, which they did, leaving the Celtics with a prayer of a shot that didn't even strike rim.

Then, in overtime, the Celtics with another play they have often ran: an isolation to Paul Pierce and again, the Lakers were ready. Metta World Peace played solid defense, forcing Pierce into a tough shot which he missed and Ray Allen was blocked on the follow.

This game certainly did not fail to meet expectations and proudly carried on the legacy of the Celtics-Lakers rivalry. But for the Celtics, all it did was end their five-game winning streak while for the Lakers, it ended their two-game losing streak. 

Although the Celtics did play well, in fact very well through stretches, it is hard to take solace in a loss to your bitter rival, especially one that snaps a winning streak. Unfortunately though, the Celtics will need to put this tough loss in the rear-view mirror, and fast because they need to turn around and play the Toronto Raptors tomorrow night. And that should be a good opportunity to get back on the winning track yet again. 

More importantly, the Celtics will get another opportunity at an elite opponent on Sunday when the Chicago Bulls come to town. This game becomes even more important after their loss tonight because while beating bottom-feeding teams will help the Celtics record and spark winning streaks, sooner or later they need to start beating elite teams if they want a chance at the title.