AP Photo/Mark J. TerrillLast night the Boston Celtics, the team often criticized for not beating anyone of note, defeated the Los Angeles Lakers rather easily. It was one of the most anticipated games of the young season, with the powerhouse Celtics getting one of their first major road tests against their old rivals from LA.
The night had so many storylines running through it: the young Lakers team trying to live up to the ghosts of the past, Phil Jackson being on the brink of passing Red Auerbach in the regular season win column, the Celtics Big 3 going out on their first major road trip, even Paul Pierce heading home to Inglewood. All signs pointed to this being a game that should not be missed. Personally, I rushed from a family holiday dinner in order to catch the game, with high hopes that I would be witnessing the renewal of the greatest rivalry in NBA history.
Unfortunately, the game itself did not live up to the hype. The Lakers came out looking to invoke the 1980's by wearing throwback uniforms-short shorts included-but they were clearly a distraction for LA. While the Celtic defense was solid as usual, the Lakers compounded their problems by having an off shooting night. Shot after shot rattled in and out of the basket, leaving many fans at Staples Center stunned. The game itself really wasn't much of a competition, as the Celtics were clearly in control for the majority of the game and the Lakers never found their rhythm.
The referees also made themselves a negative factor in the game. An unusual number of calls on both sides were clearly incorrect, leaving many fans frustrated. Where I was watching the game I even heard a few references to the now-infamous Tim Donaghy, who was caught betting on games that he officiated. The NBA has done a good job of downplaying the Donaghy scandal, but games as poorly officiated as this one won't help their cause.
While this chapter of the Lakers vs. Celtics rivalry didn't live up to the hype, we did learn something very important: The Boston Celtics are a mentally tough team on the road as well as at home.
There were plenty of factors that could have derailed Boston, such as playing in a back to back coming off a tough win over Utah, Red's record being on the line, all the hype from playing the Lakers, and of course the short shorts. However, the Celtics weren't fazed by any of it. In fact, Kevin Garnett had one of his best games as a Celtic, and the team calmly and efficiently took care of business. That's a trait that championship teams have to have, and is a very good sign for Celtics fans.
We didn't get the game that we were hoping for, but the endless story that is the NBA rolls on regardless. And really, that's the great thing about the NBA right now. Even when one game lets you down, there is always another compelling match up around the corner that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Quote of the night:
"...and of course Kevin McHale, what a great job he's doing for the Minnesota Timberwolves....the last place team in the league." - Joel Myers, Lakers play-by-play announcer
The night had so many storylines running through it: the young Lakers team trying to live up to the ghosts of the past, Phil Jackson being on the brink of passing Red Auerbach in the regular season win column, the Celtics Big 3 going out on their first major road trip, even Paul Pierce heading home to Inglewood. All signs pointed to this being a game that should not be missed. Personally, I rushed from a family holiday dinner in order to catch the game, with high hopes that I would be witnessing the renewal of the greatest rivalry in NBA history.
Unfortunately, the game itself did not live up to the hype. The Lakers came out looking to invoke the 1980's by wearing throwback uniforms-short shorts included-but they were clearly a distraction for LA. While the Celtic defense was solid as usual, the Lakers compounded their problems by having an off shooting night. Shot after shot rattled in and out of the basket, leaving many fans at Staples Center stunned. The game itself really wasn't much of a competition, as the Celtics were clearly in control for the majority of the game and the Lakers never found their rhythm.
The referees also made themselves a negative factor in the game. An unusual number of calls on both sides were clearly incorrect, leaving many fans frustrated. Where I was watching the game I even heard a few references to the now-infamous Tim Donaghy, who was caught betting on games that he officiated. The NBA has done a good job of downplaying the Donaghy scandal, but games as poorly officiated as this one won't help their cause.
While this chapter of the Lakers vs. Celtics rivalry didn't live up to the hype, we did learn something very important: The Boston Celtics are a mentally tough team on the road as well as at home.
There were plenty of factors that could have derailed Boston, such as playing in a back to back coming off a tough win over Utah, Red's record being on the line, all the hype from playing the Lakers, and of course the short shorts. However, the Celtics weren't fazed by any of it. In fact, Kevin Garnett had one of his best games as a Celtic, and the team calmly and efficiently took care of business. That's a trait that championship teams have to have, and is a very good sign for Celtics fans.
We didn't get the game that we were hoping for, but the endless story that is the NBA rolls on regardless. And really, that's the great thing about the NBA right now. Even when one game lets you down, there is always another compelling match up around the corner that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Quote of the night:
"...and of course Kevin McHale, what a great job he's doing for the Minnesota Timberwolves....the last place team in the league." - Joel Myers, Lakers play-by-play announcer
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Tags: Kevin Garnett,Boston Celtics,Los Angeles LakersRay Allen,Paul Pierce,Andrew BynumLakers Celtics Rivalry,Magic Johnson,NBA ChampionshipLakers Shorts
