Despite 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists and sensational defense from the Truth, the Celtics were edged in the final seconds on Thursday night by the Los Angeles Lakers, losing 110-109 in an overtime thriller at TD Bank North Garden.

It seemed as though the Celtics were on their way to evening the season series with their hated rivals through three quarters, with Paul’s six points in the frame keeping the Lakers at bay, and the Cs up by four heading into the fourth quarter.

But LA was able to draw even, and despite the Truth notching his team’s final seven points, teammate Eddie House was unable to hit a three at the buzzer, sending the game to overtime.

The Celtics still held a one-point lead in the game’s final minute, but a foul on Lakers forward Lamar Odom sent him to the line where he drained both free throws. The Celtics’ final attempt to win the game went begging, snapping the club’s 12-game win streak.

The game was marked by the intense and physical style that marked the team’s matchup in the Finals last season.

“It was physical, but you have to expect that,” Paul to the Boston Globe after the loss. “Two of the top teams in the NBA battling for the best record in the league. All those things that have been said about the Lakers not being a physical team, you just have to expect they’re going to come around and hold their chests up high. They beat us once and [last] night we had our chances, but we let it go. It’s not the end of the world. We’ll get another shot at them.”

KOBE STOPPER
If there's anyone in the NBA who seems to have Kobe Bryant's number, it's the Truth.

Much as he did in the Finals last summer, No. 34 frustrated No. 24 all night long, holding him to just 10-29 shooting.

As noted by Hardwood Paroxysm (and many others):

Paul Pierce’s defense on Kobe down the stretch was amazing. Any time Kobe tried to create space, Pierce devoured it. Kobe doesn’t want to shoot that fadeaway twice down the stretch, but he really had no choice.

NEXT UP
Paul and the Celtics travel to the Big Apple to take on the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM Eastern Time.

RELATED STORIES
Lakers snap another Boston streak, win 110-109 (AP, February 5, 2009)
http://www.nba.com/games/20090205/LALBOS/recap.html
Gloom and Broom (Boston Globe, February 6, 2009)
http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2009/02/06/gloo...
OT loss has Celtics feeling bit foul (Boston Herald, February 6, 2009)
http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/basketball/celtics/view.bg?&articleid...

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