The Los Angeles Lakers dropped their first game at Staples Center during this year's playoffs losing to the Boston Celtics by a score of 103-94. The Celtics closed the game with a 16-4 run. Boston gave everything that they had on Sunday night, and it showed in their impressive victory on the Lakers' home court. Rajon Rondo lead the charge with 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists. Ray Allen set an NBA record with eight three-pointers in the game and he finished with 32 points. One of the biggest factors this game was Kobe Bryant's foul trouble. He finished with five fouls but also had 21 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds.
What can we expect as the series heads to Boston? Well, the Boston Celtics have actually been a better road team than home team, but now that Boston has confidence going back home, they will be a very dangerous animal for the Lakers. Although Ray Allen had a spectacular game tonight, I don't see it happening again in this postseason. However, I think the main concern of the Celtics will be to shut down the Lakers big men. Bynum (21 points, 6 rebounds, 7 blocks) and Gasol (25 points, 8 rebounds, 6 blocks) will be the focal point for the Celtics' defense. Boston returned to the quality of defense that they displayed earlier in the playoffs. Tony Allen did an excellent job on Kobe throughout the game.
What's my prediction?
The Celtics will use this momentum and capitalize on it. Boston will take two from LA at home, returning to Los Angeles with a 3-2 lead. However, I don't see Kobe Bryant letting this opportunity slip away from him, especially on his home court. If it weren't for his constant foul trouble and the impressive run that Boston put together at the end of the game, I think this game would have had a different result as well. But in the playoffs with teams of this caliber, any team can win on any night. I'm still predicting Lakers in seven games.
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