Demoralizing Loss

An 11-point fourth quarter loss was erased by a Kobe Bryant jumper with seven seconds left. The final play of the game; a drive to the hoop by Pierce and a dish to Ray for a three and the win and a miss. Final score Lakers 90, Celtics 89.

The Celtics found themselves down 10 early in the game, as the Lakers came storming out of the gate hitting nearly every shot. The bench, led by Tony Allen, changed the game and a 23-point swing in favor of the C's. However, the fourth quarter was sluggish for the C's as they were outscored by eight in the period. The Lakers' D stepped up big and they really limited Rajon Rondo (21 points, 12 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals) mightily by putting Kobe on him. A questionable call down the stretch had a whistle on Paul Pierce as he drove in and slightly pushed off of Ron Artest as he pulled away for a jumper. The whistle was on Pierce for an offensive foul and Artest somehow ended up in the stands. Kobe's game-winning jumper followed.

That's three in a row against some of the NBA's elite and they are 2-6 in their last eight. The C's blew a 16-point lead in Orlando, never could come back in Atlanta, and blew another late lead today. This is getting very frustrating, as this stretch should have seen the Celtics win two of the three games. Quick turnaround for the Celtics as they face the Washington Bullets (I mean Wizards) tomorrow night in Washington.

PS - Rasheed Wallace picked up his 13th technical foul of the season and his third in three games. He is three away from suspension. Cut it, Sheed.