Kobe Bryant (27 points), Pau Gasol (20 points, including seven in the final three minutes) and solid defense lead the way in victory over Boston, which had won 19 in a row.
It might not have been revenge, but for the Lakers and their adoring and fanatic fans, it was sweet nonetheless.And for Pau Gasol, who withered during the NBA Finals against Boston and who was withering again in the first half against the Celtics this afternoon, it was even sweeter.
Gasol's strong play in the fourth quarter pushed the Lakers to a 92-83 victory over the Celtics, breaking Boston's NBA-best 19-game winning streak Thursday at Staples Center.Gasol had nine of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, including seven in the final three minutes, doing so with drive and determination. He also blocked two shots late in the game.The Celtics defeated the Lakers last spring in the NBA Finals. They dropped a 39-point loss on the Lakers in Game 6 in Boston, the second-most lopsided game in a game-clinching contest in Finals history.
The Lakers blew a 24-point lead in Game 4 at home, allowing the Celtics to take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.This time, the Lakers built a 10-point lead on Christmas Day and held on, thanks to Gasol.His basket with 2:48 left broke a tie and gave the Lakers an 83-81 lead.His floater over Kevin Garnett gave the Lakers an 85-81 lead with 2:00 left.After Kevin Garnett (22 points, 9 rebounds) scored, Gasol came through again for the Lakers.His left-handed layup and free throw gave the Lakers an 88-83 lead with 1:28 left.Then Gasol stepped up on defense.He blocked Ray Allen's three-point attempt and then blocked Paul Pierce's three-point attempt.Gasol and the rest of the Lakers began to rejoice over their victory.maple story mesosThe Lakers and Celtics will meet again Feb. 5 in Boston.Boston still has the best record in the NBA at 27-3.The Lakers have won three straight to improve to 24-5.dofus kamas
Thursday, December 25, 2008
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