For Old time’s Sake…Lakers scrape by the Celtics 88-87

If “those who are late do not get fruitcup” then the baksetball equivalent would be “those who do not rebound do not get wins”. The Los Angeles Lakers annihilated the Boston Celtics on the boards (55-45) in a classic overtime game and came away with an 88-87 victory. Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 27 points but it was the inside play of the Lakers bigs, Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, that was the difference in this contest. Every time the Celtics seemed to gain control of this tight affair a rebound would bounce in the hands of Gasol or Bynum for a game changing layup or tip. Gasol finished with 25 points, 14 rebounds, and a game saving block on a Ray Allen tip as time expired at the end of overtime. Bynum was equally as menacing to the Celtics cause on his way to 16 points, 17 rebounds, and 3 blocks. Allen led the Celtics with 22 points, followed by the complete effort of Paul Pierce who added 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists. Kevin Garnett was as agres...