The Los Angeles Lakers fell behind as many as 15 points in the second quarter, but a 11-4 run to end the half put the Lakers within eight points at halftime, as the Boston Celtics lead 53-45 at halftime. Ray Allen, who passed Reggie Miller in the first quarter for the all-time NBA lead in three-pointers made, led Boston with 14 points in the first half.
On January 30, the Celtics put on an offensive clinic en route to an easy 13-point win over the Lakers at Staples Center. They had 34 assists on 43 baskets made that day, and shot 60.3% from the field, the third-highest total the Celtics have ever had against Los Angeles. Tonight looked like more of the same for a while, as the Celtics shot 51.3% from the field, with 16 assists on 20 field goals made.
The Lakers were able to utilize their advantage inside on offense, to a point, as Pau Gasol (12 points, five rebounds) and Andrew Bynum (12 points) combined to make nine of 15 shots from the field. The Lakers outrebounded the Celtics, 23-15, including 6-2 on the offensive end. Lamar Odom, however, struggled mightily, making just one of five shots, scoring two points in his 10 minutes of play.
Kobe Bryant only attempted three field goals in his 21 minutes, scoring just three points in the first half. Bryant also had four rebounds and three assists. Steve Blake had three fouls in rapid fashion, playing only 4:36 in the first 24 minutes.
For more information on tonight's game, be sure to read Silver Screen and Roll.