LA Lakers snap eight-game home losing streak, beat Boston 101-92

This season has been one that will be forgotten in a fleeting moment by most Lakers fans. They came into the clash with Boston Celtics on a four-game losing streak. Two of NBA’s most storied franchises came into the game with two of the worst records in the NBA. With the Lakers tied for last with Sacramento Kings in the West and Celtics six games behind eighth place in the east. However, the rivalry between the two teams meant that irrespective of the form, the game was going to be an exciting one and that was precisely what it proved to be.

Lakers fans were given a boost at the start, as Pau Gasol returned after a two-week injury layoff, but it was the bench that wrapped up the victory. Lakers’ bench scored the final 44 points and ensured that the Lakers snapped a franchise-record eight-game home losing streak to beat the Celtics 101-92.

Lakers started the game strong with Pau Gasol opening the scoring from the free-throw line. Lakers got off to a quick start and led early on, thanks to Jodie Meeks and Pau Gasol. But that proved to be a false dawn as they couldn’t hold on for long. And, it was only in the fourth quarter that they eventually managed to reclaim the lead, which they never let go of.

For much of the first three quarters, the Lakers defense was almost non-existent as the smaller Boston outfit continued to pound the glass, led by Jared Sullinger who finished with 12 rebounds, including 9 offensive boards-both game highs. In the first quarter, the enigma that is Jeff Green, was on fire, as he scored almost at will, including couple of three-pointers to set the ball rolling.

Rajon Rondo had a disappointing shooting night and was just 2-12 from the floor, but managed a game-high 11 assists and finished with six points. In the second half, it was the former Magic, Brandon Bass who came to the party as he worked the paint to good effect to finish with 20 points and eight rebounds.

However, all of this was to no avail as the Lakers bench came out of nowhere and helped register their first home win since the game against Utah on 3 January. Boston led 74-63 going into the fourth quarter that is precisely where the game turned on its head. Lakers scored 38 fourth quarter points and restricted the Celtics to just 18 as the bench finished with a staggering 63 points in the game.

Chris Kaman, Jordan Hill, Jordan Farmar started the fourth quarter alongside Kent Bazemore and MarShon Brooks, who were both playing in their first game after being drafted into the Lakers lineup following the Steve Blake trade.

Bazemore and Brooks eventually finished with a combined total of 29 points five rebounds and five steals to seal the deal for the Lakers. Bazemore impressed with his agility and his confidence as he knocked down two crucial 3-pointers in the fourth quarter after missing his first two from beyond the arc. The win now means that Lakers no longer have the joint-worst record in the West and with Nick Young fit again, things are finally starting to looking up for the Lakers.