BOSTON – For more than half a century, the conflict between the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers has been unparalleled to any other rivalry in professional basketball.
It has been driven by success: A combined 33 championship banners (17 for the Celtics, 16 for the Lakers).
It has been driven superstars: Nearly 50 Hall-of Famers have played on either of the two organizations.
And it’s been driven by their diehard fan bases, which provide an extraordinary atmosphere when these two teams clash.
The unique environment is what defined Wednesday night’s chapter of the longstanding rivalry, as fans filled TD Garden to witness Kobe Bryant’s 23rd and final game in Boston.
The colors filling the Garden seats were mixed: many fans donned green and white, while several wore purple and gold. Those color combinations typically clash in the basketball world; however, they united this one time, applauding Bryant as he was introduced over the Garden’s PA system before tip-off for the final time.
The 20-year veteran responded to that reception with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds. And he guided his team to victory one final time in Boston, outlasting the C’s, 112-104, to cap off a special night at the Garden.
What made the night truly memorable was the atmosphere – the rowdiness and the collective appreciation shown for a man who truly understands and respects the storied rivalry.
Fans went back and forth throughout the game’s entirety; Lakers supporters continuously chanted “Ko-be,” while Celtics Nation responded with deafening boos.
As we all know, Bryant loves hearing those boos just as much, if not more, than the cheers.
“It was unbelievable. It felt great to get booed,” Bryant said after the game. “The recognition at the top of the game, and then as soon as I touched the ball and they booed, I was like, ‘Ahh.’ It felt great.”
The mixed reception made for a strange, yet enjoyable atmosphere. Jae Crowder likened it to the environment of a heated college rivalry game when half the crowd is for one team, while the rest is rooting for the other.
“It doesn’t bother me when the other team has a crowd on our home court,” said Crowder. “I mean it’s just a part of it. The Lakers have great tradition just like the Boston Celtics organization, so it’s two great organizations going at it and it’s a great rivalry.”
This was Crowder’s first experience against the Lakers at TD Garden. Avery Bradley, meanwhile, has been involved in more such games than any other current Celtic.
“Every single time we play against the Lakers it’s like this and it’s always cool to see the fans going for the Lakers and some going for us,” said Bradley. “It’s just a great atmosphere and I’m happy to be a part of it.”
Not only did the fans go back and forth Wednesday night; the teams did as well.
It was a one-possession game for the majority of the first half, before the Lakers began to pull away during the third.
But the Celtics battled back and nearly erased an 11-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
Evan Turner, who idolized Bryant growing up, led Boston’s comeback. He scored 11 of his 20 points during the final frame.
Turner’s ability to step up in a meaningful game was no surprise to C’s coach Brad Stevens.
“One thing about Evan is he likes those games, he likes those moments, he likes being a part of them, making plays in them, and he kept us in it,” said Stevens. “He’s kind of that reliable guy in that regard, that when things aren’t going your way all the time, he really loves basketball and he usually does good things to give you a chance.”
Unfortunately, it just wasn’t enough. Bryant came through late – like he has done so many times in his career – and scored nine of his 15 points during the fourth quarter.
The C’s pulled to within two points during the closing minutes, but No. 24 canned a deep 3 from the right wing to put the Lakers up 107-102 with 1:40 remaining.
It was his final stamp in the Celtics/Lakers rivalry, and it was in impressionable one.
A few minutes later he walked off the parquet floor one last time, but not before waving to the crowd as they thunderously chanted his name.
“Honestly, if I could chant for them, I would,” Bryant said shortly after leaving the court. “I don’t think the fans here really understand how much they drove me.”
That is a sign of respect for a hated rival if there ever was one.
Bryant is one of many superstars responsible for the continuation of this illustrious rivalry. But like all players, his career must come to an end, and that end is very near.
The fans, however, can continue to drive this rivalry. And based on the atmosphere they created tonight at TD Garden, there’s no reason to believe that it will cease anytime soon.
