Wow! In a game that had everything a basketball fan could ask for – good defensive plays, shoot-out tempo and tons of 3-pointers – you can only wonder what this match-up would be like if the Celtics and Lakers were to meet again in the Finals. The game started out great for the Celtics, who to confirm Phil Jackson’s concerns, started off hot and seemed to be ready to blow the first quarter wide open within the first five minutes. In typical Laker fashion, the lead was cut and for the remainder of the game there was never more than a few points differential in the score. It was like watching a boxing match between two heavyweights who didn’t know how to go down. Each team took a hit and countered right back without a glimpse of hesitation.

Sure, there were times when the game got a little sloppy, especially on the part of the Big 3 who really seemed to struggle with hitting their shots. Pierce had particular trouble hitting his free-throws, which is uncharacteristic of him, especially in clutch situations. There was never a dull moment however, as both teams left it all on the court. There were even some moments that made the game seem like more of a hockey game with confrontations and arguments going back and forth – Kobe and Rondo, Odem and Garnett – which just made this already bitter rivalry even more intense and fun to watch. Like all great games, this one came down to the wire. The Celtics had the ball with just enough time for one last chance and with the Lakers up 110-109, Pierce was the man to go to. With all eyes watching and the air in the TD Banknorth Garden filled with anxiety, Pierce missed the shot only to have Rondo come up with the rebound and get the ball to Ray Ray. Unfortunately, this doesn’t have the same SportCenter classic ending as Tuesdays game against Philly with Ray Allen hitting the game ending 3-pointer; alas, every Celtics fan exhaled a deep sigh of disappointment as the shot missed, the buzzer sounded and the Lakers won the game.

I would never call the game a disappointment though, it was a classic grudge match from the Christmas beat-down we got from L.A except with another bitter ending. The game itself proved to be exciting and also demonstrated Boston’s other weapons outside of the Big 3 – Eddie House (16 pts, 4-6 in 3-pointers) Rajon Rondo (16 pts, 12 asts) Leon Powe (10 pts, 8 reb). The Lakers appear to be in top form even without their big man Andrew Bynum, and are now at the number 1 spot in the NBA with a 40-9 record but there are still many games to be played and I have no doubt that the Celtics will take this loss as a lesson and prepare themselves in case they are to meet L.A. once again in the Finals. This rivalry is starting to take its old form from the Bird/Magic days and if these two teams keep playing this way the NBA Playoffs will be a must see.