The Boston Celtics came out shooting in the first quarter, taking a 27-20 lead over the Los Angeles Lakers after 12 minutes of play. However, NBA history was made in the opening stanza at TD Garden, as Ray Allen hit a three-pointer from the right side of the top of the key with 1:48 remaining in the first quarter to surpass Reggie Miller for the most three-pointers in NBA history, at 2,561. During a stoppage in play, Allen got a congratulatory handshake from Miller, who is calling the game for TNT. Allen led the Celtics with 12 points in the first quarter.
The Celtics are essentially without a true backup small foward or center tonight, as Marquis Daniels (bruised spinal cord), Shaquille O'Neal (sore right leg), and Semih Erden (right adductor strain) are all out tonight. This amplifies the Lakers' size advantage in the middle, an advantage not lost on TNT announcers Marv Albert, Steve Kerr, and Reggie Miller. The three agreed that trading Andrew Bynum for Carmelo Anthony, as has been rumored this week, would be a mistake. Albert summed it up best by saying, "Why would [the Lakers] give up their big front line, which is the advantage they have when it comes to the playoffs?"
Well said, Marv. Well said. Bynum led the Lakers with eight points in the first quarter.
For more information on tonight's game, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.