Even though I saw this coming, it didn't ease my frustration. The Lakers dominated the second half and beat the Cs 92-86.
The Celtics shot 13-for-43 in the second half. Glen Davis (3-10 FG) was wretched. Rajon Rondo (5-14 FG, 10 assists) had his fair share of bricks.
The Lakers pounded Boston in the paint. They had 50 points and outrebounded the Cs 47-36.
Lack of depth was a major factor. Nate Robinson left the game in the 2nd quarter with a bruised right knee. He did not return. Paul Pierce looked like a guy who need an IV yesterday and still played 40 minutes. Credit to Von Wafer who had 8 points and one monster block of Ron Artest in 20 minutes.
The Celtics clawed back and trailed 82-79 with 5 minutes remaining. But Phil Jackson re-inserted a well-rested Kobe Bryant who promptly scored 8 points and dished an assist to finish off Boston.
The Lakers will be celebrated for getting a "big" win in Boston. But let's be real, the Celtics were at half strength… at best.
The lone bright spot was Ray Allen's record breaking three pointer in the 1st quarter.
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