The “Big Three” came prepared for the big game against the Los Angeles Lakers (33-15) at the Staples Center. Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett scored a combined 71 points in the 109-96 win for the Boston Celtics (36-11). The Celtics have won eight of their last ten and keep getting healthier. After a terrible loss to the Phoenix Suns a couple nights ago, 88-71, the Celtics came out with all the punches this late afternoon to face their rivals for the first time since the 2010-2011 NBA Finals, where the Celtics lost in Game 7.
The Lakers out-played the Celtics in the first half and held a 54-50 halftime cushion. However, the Celtics dominated the second half and out-scored the Lakers, 59-42. The Lakers cut the lead to four points with about six minutes remaining, but the Celtics held tough and got the lead into double digits before the contest was over.
The Celtics were led by the “Big Three.” Pierce led the way with 32 points on 11-18 shooting. He was a perfect 7-7 from the free throw line. Allen added 21 points of his own and was 3-7 from the three-point line. Garnett had a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds. He was 9-12 from the field. Point guard, Rajon Rondo, also had a double-double with 10 points and 16 assists.
Kobe Bryant shined throughout the contest. He dropped 41 points for the Lakers on 16-29 shooting. Lamar Odom came off the bench to score 15 on 6-8 shooting. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum combined for 23 points, but were only 8-19 from the field.
The Celtics absolutely crushed the Lakers with their 60.3% shooting from the field and 52.9% from the three-point line. The Lakers only shot 44.4% from the field and 44.4% from the three-point line. The Celtics also out-rebounded the Lakers 43-30.
The Celtics stay in California to face the Sacramento Kings (12-33) at the ARCO Arena on Tuesday, February 1 at 10:00 p.m. EST. The Lakers will stay at home to welcome the Houston Rockets (22-27) on Tuesday, February 1 at 10:30 p.m. EST.