Celtics vs. Lakers: Video Highlights, Twitter Reaction and Grades
The Los Angeles Lakers edged the Boston Celtics 97-94 to improve their sterling home record to 18-2.
This epic rivalry is not what it was just two short years ago, but it is still entertaining, and both of these teams are more than capable of playing good basketball. That was on full display in this game.
This was an important game for both teams. The Celtics are struggling to stay in the race for the playoffs, and with the Lakers struggling on the road as much as they have, it is crucial for them to win their home games.
Tweets of the Night
ESPN's JA Adande sheds some light on the feeling of this game.
"I think Metta, Pierce and KG knew what they were doing. It feels more like Lakers vs. Celtics in here now.
— J.A. Adande (@jadande) March 11, 2012"
Adande is right. After this game got off to a lackluster start, it was as if the players on both teams suddenly looked at their jersey and realized this game mattered.
It is safe to say that Bill Simmons, on @GrantlandLive, didn't feel the officiating was fair.
"BS: Little-known fact: referee Leon Wood played for the Clippers (in the mid-80s) and the Lakers (today)
— Grantland Live (@GrantlandLive) March 11, 2012"
Simmons certainly has grounds for an argument. The Celtics didn't get their first free throw in the second half until deep into the fourth quarter.
After a big third quarter for Metta World Peace, ESPN Los Angeles' Dave McMenamin offered up this astute tweet:
"World Peace is such a wild card for this team. His best games seem to coincide with the Lakers' best games.
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) March 11, 2012"
Must-See Highlight of the Night
This was a fairly listless first half—especially as far as Lakers-Celtics go. However, there was a spectacular finish to the half. Check it out:
Grades for Key Celtics Players
Paul Pierce: C-
Pierce was off with his shot, sporadic on defense and inactive on the boards. He did do an excellent job of moving the ball, though. He finished with just 13 points but had nine assists.
Rajon Rondo: A-
Rondo was fantastic. He was active and potent. He had 24 points on 10-of-18 shooting, and he also had 10 assists.
Kevin Garnett: B+
Garnett was efficient and effective. He had 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Grades for Key Lakers Players
Kobe Bryant: B
For other players, this would be a higher grade, but this is not other players. It is Kobe Bryant. He finished with 26 points on 9-of-20 shooting.
He also made key plays late, and that is exactly what you expect out of the Mamba.
Pau Gasol: B-
Gasol disappeared for long stretches of this game, and he never got in an offensive flow. However, he did a wonderful job on the boards and dishing the rock. He finished with 13 points, 13 rebounds and five assists.
Andrew Bynum: A
There is no one on the Celtics equipped to handle Bynum. He finished with 20 points and 14 rebounds, and he was huge down the stretch.
Stat of the Night: 12
Twelve is the reason that just the mention of Lakers-Celtics gets people's basketball juices flowing. That is the number of times these two teams have met in the finals.
Game MVP: Andrew Bynum
Bynum had a fantastic game, and he was huge down the stretch. He had two huge buckets in the final minutes of this game. That included the clinching bucket with just over 10 seconds left.
What's Next?
One of these teams will be staying in L.A. after this game, and it's not the Lakers. They will hit the road to take on the Grizzlies on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Boston will play the Clippers at Staples Center on Monday.
