Lakers (36-11) at Celtics (29-15) 1/31

[MaxwellSmart86]

Nobody to blame but ourselves----AGAIN we STOP being Aggressive---and try to KILL the clock....we DESERVE to LOSE....Game was in our GRASP----when we got up 11, we acted like it was over---4 straight WEAK possessions----VERY disappointed in our LACK of Killer instinct---this game was ours.

[Neurotic Guy]

I tell you what - I think the Celtics played fantastic tonight.  Fantastic basketball. They earned a win tonight and we should all feel a lot better about t his team.  Nobody can tell me different.

In the last 3 games I learned that the C's, when healthy and inspired, are still capable of playing with anyone.  This one got away -- as did the Orlando game.  But, I believe the Celts are not yet playing their best and if they do, they'll be right there.

[HYPE.]

For the love of God, why do you shoot a three? Attack the basket!!! You are down one, drive the lane look to get fouled.

Yup. -_-

Clutch whistles give LA the win.

Paul reached out, and swept Artest off him with his left arm.  You've got to call that if you're the refs, and they called a much lesser example on Kobe earlier in the game.

It was a good call, unfortunately.

Well, Pierce screwed us over with that one. Had he not pushed Artest, we probably would have gotten the W.

[celticinorlando]

SOONER or later this team has to figure how to put teams away and how not to blow big leads in the 4th quarter. unacceptable for this to continue to happen night after night

[byennie]

Stomach punch game there. But nothing to get crazy about -- in spite of the losses, the fact is that the Cs play Orlando, Cleveland and Lakers pretty even. We're not THE favorites right, but we are certainly ONE of them.

It could get worse, but it can get a lot better. Tony Allen has been playing well. Ray's shot will come back (probably). Daniels is returning. Big Baby is shaking off the rust. We need to get a few breaks, but even just a couple could really have us rolling again.

With that said, the Pierce ISO at the end of every close game is an era that needs to end. Let Rondo finish the freaking game when he's the most dominant player on the court and the one guy who can get to the basket.

[mahonedog88]

How are the playoffs going to be any different than what I've seen recently?

Once again, a double digit lead in the 4th disappears.

The play itself was a good play.  Ray Allen should NOT have taken that last shot.  You gotta play the percentages and who's feeling it.  Ray had an absolutely terrible game shooting wise.

This team is not winning the championship, plain and simple.

They can't finish games, they can't rebound, they can't stay healthy.  Looks to me like the 4th seed is a VERY realistic possibility.  

[lJesterl]

im always saying how pierce always tries to be the hero and blows it. lets hold the ball and let the clock wind just to push off.

it was a foul. something pierce does alot. I really cant stand him.

Another great job of coaching from Doc. Sitting TA most of the 2nd half

[hpantazo]

hate to call a loss encouraging, but it was great to see the real celtics team back tonight,they hadn't shown up since christmas day. This is the type of loss that can actually light a fire under them. If they had won, they would truly believe that they can turn it on whenever they want.

[CelticSooner]

This team is done. Let the snowball continue down the hill.

[drkalloch]

I disagree with your optimism. They have lost all the games. Period. They have lacked a killer instinct that veteran teams are supposed to have. And most importantly, I think they have lost confidence that they are the invincible team of yesteryear...They need to WIN GAMES, bottom line.

[mahonedog88]

Nobody to blame but ourselves----AGAIN we STOP being Aggressive---and try to KILL the clock....we DESERVE to LOSE....Game was in our GRASP----when we got up 11, we acted like it was over---4 straight WEAK possessions----VERY disappointed in our LACK of Killer instinct---this game was ours.

This wraps up our play since the Christmas.

[celticinorlando]

hate to call a loss encouraging, but it was great to see the real celtics team back tonight,they hadn't shown up since christmas day. This is the type of loss that can actually light a fire under them. If they had won, they would truly believe that they can turn it on whenever they want.

i have to disagree. they did this thursday also. the "real" celtics would put both of those games away

[RMO]

Early in the 4th the celtics had a double digit lead and instead of playing smart basketball they went for the kill, chucking up three pointers on three straight possessions (all misses).  At that point I just didn't feel good about this game.

[CelticSooner]

where was tony allen in the second half?

IDK. Where was Rondo most of the game? I guess Doc loves this stand around take a wild shot as the buzzer goes off offense.

[Roy Hobbs]

This team is done. Let the snowball continue down the hill.

Really?  The Celts lost on a last-possession shot against a team that many consider the best in the NBA, and we're done?