First Quarter
To start the game, the Lakers came out with good energy on the offensive end. Unfortunately, they couldn’t secure any rebounds and the Celtics were able to stay within striking distance. Midway through the quarter, Lakers took a 11-10 lead. After the timeout, both teams continued to trade leads and the Lakers found themselves with a two point lead, 25-23. Pau Gasol led the Lakers with 8 points and 6 rebounds.
Second Quarter
In the second quarter, the Lakers committed numerous turnovers and the Celtics established a three-point lead. After a timeout, the Lakers didn’t have much defensive energy and found themselves down by nine points midway through the quarter. While Rajon Rondo was fairly quiet, he imposed his will by disrupting the Lakers’ offense and had numerous baskets around the rim. Although the Lakers played poorly, Gasol continued his strong play and helped the Lakers close the gap to six points. At halftime, the Lakers trailed 58-52.
Third Quarter
To start the second half, both teams came out with good energy as the Celtics’ lead hovered around five points. With Gasol being aggressive, he created good opportunities for his teammates as a Ryan Kelly tip-in cut the deficit to one midway through the third. While the Lakers played with good energy, Boston made two straight three-pointers to push the lead back to eight with less than four minutes remaining. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Lakers trailed 82-76.
Fourth Quarter
With four former D-League players on the court, the Lakers were able to cut the deficit to one after a three-pointer by Kelly. After a timeout, Wesley Johnson’s three tied the game at 88 apiece. Unfortunately, the Celtics responded with a run of their own and pushed the lead back to eight points.
After a much needed timeout, two three-pointers by Johnson and Meeks cut the deficit to two with less than two minutes to go. With a stop on the defensive end, Kendall Marshall converted on a corner three to give the Lakers a one point lead, 105-104. After the Lakers secured the jump ball, Kelly made both free-throws to seal the game.
