BOSTON, (Reuters) – The Los Angeles Lakers spoiled Ray Allen’s record-setting game with a second half comeback to earn a 92-86 win over the Boston Celtics on Thursday.
Allen made his record 2,561st three point shot with 1:48 remaining in the first quarter to give the Celtics an early eight-point lead and drew a standing ovation from the Boston fans.
“I knew I only needed two threes, but on any other day or any other game, it would have happened just like that,” said Allen. “That second three was almost slow-motion for me … I was like, ‘this is it.’ It was definitely a magical moment.”
Former Indiana Pacers guard Reggie Miller, who was in attendance, had held the previous record for career three pointers.
The Lakers trailed by as many as 15 points in the second quarter and by eight at half time, but a 10-0 run to start the second half allowed them to get back into the game.
The Lakers outscored Boston 27-15 in the third, led by 12 points from Kobe Bryant after he scored just three in the first half.
“We just made things a little bit tougher,” said Bryant. “In the first half, they got a lot of easy opportunities in transition, a lot of easy catch and shoots. We just had to put a stop to it.”
Bryant finished with 23 points, Pau Gasol had 20 points and 10 rebounds and Andrew Bynum had 16 points for the Lakers.
Allen led the Celtics with 20 points and Rajon Rondo had 12 points and 10 assists.
“They came out real aggressive in that third quarter and we just didn’t come out aggressive,” Celtics forward Paul Pierce said.
