Below is a running diary of the Lakers’ matchup against the Boston Celtics, with comments drawn from Mike Trudell’s @LakersReporter Twitter account, to ensure you’re covered from start to finish.
First Quarter
Kobe’s 0 for 4 early, but the rest of the Lakers are 5 for 8 as LAL hold a 13-9 lead into the first time out. C’s shooting just 36.4%.
Randle worked his way to the left block, and scored on Kelly Olynyk after turning over his L shoulder on his first offensive possession.
D’Angelo Russell made a few pretty passes, and Randle/Bass worked the O glass to help LAL close Boston’s once 8-point lead to 27-24 after 1.
Second Quarter
An impressive stretch from @Dloading, who beat Bradley for a layup, hit a 3, hit a 2, then scored a layup off a cut for 9 quick points.
Kobe still can’t find his range tonight. He’s 0 for 8, yet LAL still lead 43-39. Williams has 11, Russell 9, Clarkson 6, Randle 5.
Boston has scrapped its way back into it with a 7-0 run, tying the game at 53. LAL turnovers leading to transition chances.
LAL take a 58-56 lead into HT. Kobe struggled (2 for 12) but Williams (4 for 5), Clarkson (4 for 7), Randle/Russell picked him up.
Third Quarter
A quick 7-0 Boston run capped by a transition 3 from Thomas was snapped by a Lou Williams steal and layup. C’s up 65-64.
LAL answered Boston’s 7-0 run with an 8-0 run, capped by Kobe’s 3rd FG and a Williams’ floater in transition. Lakers back up 70-65.
Big shot by Russell, who countered a potential momentum-building follow-up dunk by Marcus Smart with a 3 to close the 3rd Q. LAL up 11.
A quiet dunk from Kobe Bryant #GoLakers #NBAVote 3rd quarter @TWCSportsNet | @TWCDeportes https://t.co/AAuJa3rOcA
Fourth Quarter
Julius Randle has a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double in just 21 minutes. LAL continue to lead, 93-81, holding BOS to 40.5% FG’s.
Evan Turner scored 3 straight hoops out of a time out to cut LAL’s 12-point lead in half, 93-87 with 7:23 to play. Kobe’s set to return.
LAL have led by as many as 14 tonight, but needed Clarkson (10 for 14, 24 points) to stop a big Boston push. 2:26 left, lead at 4.
After Bradley stripped Clarkson and made a layup, Kobe sank a 3 as the shot clock rolled down, making it 107-102 with 1:40 left.
Kobe Bryant leaves Boston for the final time as a winner. #NBAVote pic.twitter.com/DZTys9bhEp
