Celtics-Lakers: The Celtics Survive Laker Rally, take 2-0 lead to L.A.

Boston nearly blows a 24 point fourth quarter lead during a furious Lakers rally but held on to win 108-102.

Boston has been a tough place to win this season and that continued in the first two games. The Lakers started the game well and lead 22-20 after the first quarter. The Celtics went on a 10-0 run to start the second quarter. The Celtic lead grew to 12 by the end of quarter, 54-42.

Paul Pierce showed no effects from the injured knee that required him to be carried off the court, placed in a wheel-chair and wheeled to the locker room. He finished the game with 28 points, Celtic reserve Leon Powe came off the bench and had a huge impact with 21 points. His performance was right on cue with the halftime show on him.

The Celtics were able to increase their lead and double their double-digit lead. Boston finished the third quarter up, 83-61.  In everyone’s eyes this game was over, the Lakers were down by 24 points, a lead the Celtics came close to losing.

The Lakers trailed 95-71 with less than eight minutes to go, they went on a 31-9 run to pull to 104-102 on two rare Kobe Bryant free throws with 38.4 seconds remaining. Kobe finished the game with 30 points, eight assists and four rebounds. Pau Gasol finished with 17 points.

Paul Pierce made two free throws, and then blocked a three-pointer by Sasha Vujacic, and James Posey made two more free throws with 12.6 seconds left to put the game on ice, and a collective sigh of relief could be heard in Boston. Kevin Garnett & Ray Allen had 17 points a piece.

The Lakers were outplayed by the Celtics for the second game in a row. Lakers Coach Phil Jackson justifiably questioned some of the officiating in the Celtics win. The free throw disparity was 38-10.

I know that no one is going to listen to this statement at all seeing as San Antonio fan is still upset at the none call at the end of game four of the Western Conference Finals. Some may even feel that the Lakers wouldn’t even be in the Finals if it weren’t for the Pau Gasol trade. Both items can’t be argued. The officiating wasn’t the reason for the loss but it was a contributing factor.

The Lakers will need to play better at home on both ends of the court. They could use the fact that they put up the first 40 point quarter allowed by the Celtics on the NBA Finals stage.

Lamar Odom, was saddled with five personal fouls but has appeared confused far too often, he finished the game with 10 points.

The scene now shifts to Los Angeles and the Lakers are seeking some home cooking of their own to help get back into the series. Game three is on Tuesday at 6:00pm PST at the Staples Center in Downtown Los Angeles.