'Tis More Than a Season Game

The Los Angeles Lakers defeated the rival Boston Celtics 92-83, avenging their defeat at the hands of Boston in the NBA Finals. In what was the most hyped-about game of the season, the Lakers held Beantown to only 8 free-throw attempts, and 28% shooting from the 3-pointer area. LA forced 17 turnovers and 9 blocked shots, and snapped the Celtics' 19 game winning-streak, a franchise record. Coach Phil Jackson also achieved his 1000th career win, the fastest any coach has accomplished this feat. Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for LA, and Pau Gasol had 20 points with 3 blocks. Luke Walton had another start, with 8 points, 5 assists and 2 blocks. Lamar Odom and Sasha Vujacic both came off the bench with 10 points, including Odom's two 3-pointers. Kevin Garnett led the Celtics with 22 points, and Paul Pierce scored 20 points and 10 rebounds, but committed 5 turnovers.