Recap: Celtics scrap to end, but can’t put away the Lakers in OT

It was fun, infuriating, depressing, then fun again, but then back to depressing. The Celtics lost a semi-important game to the Lakers (if you’re into the playoff race), but how we lost is almost more annoying than the fact that we lost. As an official, it’s important that you have control over the game to make sure it’s played in the fairest and safest way possible. However, when a referee abuses his power and puts his ego above the players or the game, what happened tonight to Celtics newcomer Isaiah Thomas is bound to happen. Let’s get into the game…

1st quarter

The Celtics went with the same starters as Sacramento; Marcus Smart-Avery Bradley-Evan Turner-Brandon Bass-Tyler Zeller. The Lakers came out in a 2-3 zone (yeah, I know), and the Celtics quickly pounced on them with a wide open Bradley 3. The Lakers battled back and were going toe-to-toe with Boston before a 7-0 Celtics run made it 19-12.

Isaiah Thomas made his first appearance at the 5:27 mark and quickly got on the board with a steal and transition layup. Thanks to his dribble penetration, Evan Turner tallied 6 assists in the quarter, but Thomas stole the show. It’s been awhile since Boston had a natural scorer, and Thomas reminded us just how good it is. By the end of the first Thomas had 8 points (3/4 FG) and 1 assist. He showed a clear command of team-work when on the ball, and looked comfortable playing off-ball. The Celtics finished the first up 32-26.

2nd quarter

The Celtics came out in the 2nd with a small-ball lineup; Thomas-Smart-Young-Crowder-Bass. However, a quick foul on Crowder got him subbed out for Wallace. With the help of some good 3pt shooting the Lakers pared the lead to 2 (36-34) before the first TV timeout. Jonas Jerebko made his debut, but the Celtics continued to struggle defensively and gave up the lead after a Jermey Lin and 1, making it 43-42 Lakers. Marcus Smart started off 0/4 from three and picked up two fouls before being subbed out. After giving up a 10-0 run, Boston was able to battle back and get the game tied up 48. Celtics eventually fought back and took the lead 53-50 after a Crowder 3. Isaiah Thomas was by far the most impressive player on the court with 15 first half points, a big 4 rebounds while getting to the free throw line 7 times.

3rd Quarter

The Celtics continued to struggle guarding the high pick and roll, but their ability to create and score off turnovers kept them in the lead. Smart came out aggressive highlighted by his big offensive rebound and putback with the could that put the Celtics up 69-64. Our first Thomas/Bradley/Smart lineup was highlighted by a beautiful drive, dish and dunk between Thomas and Smart (7 points in the quarter). The Lakers stayed in the game thanks to physical full court defense leading to transition baskets. A Thomas three and Crowder lay-up pushed Boston’s lead to 5 heading into the 4th.

4th Quarter

The Celtics started with Thomas-Smart-Crowder-Wallace-Bass. LA continued their full court pressure and it kept Boston out of rhythm. A Nick Young trey stretched LA’s lead to 91-84. At about the 5 min mark Thomas was called for a questionable offensive foul. Thomas reacted with some words and a hard dribble of frustration. He was slapped with two techs for one reaction and ejected. A total BS move by the officials.

With Thomas in the shower, the Lakers lead ballooned to 9 points. After a Stevens timeout, the Celtics stayed aggressive and, after a clutch basket from Avery Bradley, cut the lead to 103-101. The Celtics pressed but the referees missed an obvious double-dribble and travel by Lin, then made a questionable call on Smart after he appeared to have made a clean steal from Nick Young. Young hit both free throws, but Crowder quickly made a layup out of the timeout. The Celtics fouled Young again, and this time he missed one. Trailing 106-103 and time expiring, Turner found Bradley who promptly nailed a fadeaway three at the buzzer . OT!

OT

In overtime the Celtics gave up the first three buckets before Stevens was forced to call a timeout. Finally, the Celtics got on the board with a Crowder and-1 that cut the Laker lead to 112-109. But Lakers immediately scored on next possession off another high pick and roll that led to Lin dump off to Boozer making it 114-109. After Bradley missed a tough 3, Turner grabbed the offensive board and quickly put it back up making it 114-111. But after yet another successful high pick and roll, Lin drained the back-breaking jumper. The Celtics were unable to score on the next possession and after two Wayne Ellington free throws the Lakers were able to hold on for a 118-111 victory.

The Gross

• 7 Turnovers in the first quarter
• Celtics went 8/33 from 3
• Lakers had 84 Bench points
• Boston is now 1-4 this season in OT

The Green

• Newcomer Isaiah Thomas made a big impact scoring 21 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, throwing 3 assists, and getting 2 steals.
• Celtics had 56 points in the paint
• Celtics won the fast break battle 15-6
• 6 different Celtics scored in double figures, and 3 of them had 20 or more (Bradley/Thomas/Crowder)

The Greenlights