Appropriately enough, the Boston Celtics were the first opponents of the Lakers after the passing away of Dr. Buss. Let’s check out the recap of the game.
1ST QUARTER
Dwight Howard looked active early and it was nice to see Steve Nash having some pep in his step as well.
Take notes, y’all talking about handle, Nash just dribbled to the basket all left w/o changing speed with body contact. Thats handle!
— Lonnie Harrell (@PrimeWorldOrder) February 21, 2013
The Lakers went on a 14-2 run. Everything looked right, it seemed. Kobe Bryant looked spry. Dwight Howard looked so energized. And we saw the Steve Nash of old.
The Celtics tried to settle down the Lakers but the Lakers kept coming at them. Nash made a jumper and Jamison was able to get inside for a lay-up. Plus the Lakers outrebounded the Celtics, 15-6; the Lakers looked like a different team in the first quarter than what we were accustomed to all season.
At the end of the first quarter, the Lakers led, 36-27.
2ND QUARTER
The Lakers got off to a nice start after a Steve Blake three and a Metta World Peace long two. And then it got sloppy for a bit which eventually led to a Boston 6-0 run.
the little boy in me is coming out tonight — I’m loving the energy from the Lakers vs. the hated Celtics
— Michael C. Jones (@MikeJonesTweets) February 21, 2013
But the Lakers were able to stop the run. Earl Clark had a nice dunk after a rebound to put the Lakers back up 11.
Then the teams traded three-pointers. Forever nemesis (former Maverick and current Celtic) Jason Terry made a three-pointer. Steve Nash countered with a three of his own. Then Paul Pierce made a straightaway three to cut the lead back to eight.
It became more of a shootout in the latter part of the second. Paul Pierce continued to hit from downtown while Nash made a conscious effort to score more.
But it was nice to see the Lakers looking real energized. Dwight Howard had 15 points and eight boards. Kobe Bryant finished with 14 points at the half while Nash ended up with 12 points. However, the Lakers couldn’t stop Paul Pierce, who had 23 by intermission.
The Celtics, however, couldn’t stop the Lakers. L.A. led after two quarters, 64-55.
3RD QUARTER
The Lakers continued to look energized in that third quarter. They went on a 10-0 run as the Lakers made the Celtics settle for jumpers. And we had some nice crisp passing from the Los Angeles squad!
Then we had a milestone. Steve Nash passed Magic Johnson for fourth in the career assists list.
And the people definitely appreciate Nash.
Steve Nash is now officially in front of the great Magic Johnson on the All-Time Assist List. Legendary!
— Aneesh Mattoo (@AMattoo_NYSW) February 21, 2013
Dwight Howard continued to be active. Earl Clark was getting the boards. And Kobe and Nash continued to be brilliant facilitators.
Boston tried to make a run (even took advantage of a Kobe Bryant technical) but that rally was halted a bit with three foul shots from Steve Blake (he was fouled by Kevin Garnett while attempting a three). However, the ball was tipped in by Avery Bradley (Antawn Jamison?) and the Laker lead was cut to 90-76 at the end of three.
4TH QUARTER
The Lakers didn’t take their foot off the pedal as they kept up their lead against Boston. Steve Blake had a nice lay-up to put the Lakers up 16.
That Steve Blake layup was very Farmar-esque
— LAKER GIRL (@LakersJo) February 21, 2013
None of you remember Farmar? No? Let’s move on.
The 9-0 run by the Lakers have convinced some fans that this is the Lakers’ night.
I don’t get a feeling the Lakers are blowing this one. There’s some extra in their effort tonight that I love
— Evan Barnes (@evan_b) February 21, 2013
The Lakers led as many as 22 points. It was one of the best efforts we had seen from the Lakers this season.
The Lakers won the game by the score of 113-99. L.A. won their ninth in 13 games.
This one’s for you, Dr. Buss.
STAT LEADERS
POINTS: Dwight Howard, 24
REBOUNDS: Earl Clark, 16
ASSISTS: Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash, 7
BLOCKS: Three players with 1.
STEALS: Metta World Peace, 2.
