Kobe, Gasol get revenge vs Celtics on X-mas day

Pau Gasol was the emblem of the Lakers' woes in the NBA Finals, a lasting image of what went wrong for them in June against the Boston Celtics. Gasol was getting overrun again on X-mas day, missing seven of his first 11 shots.
But the Spaniard redeemed himself in the final minutes. With the score tied at 81 with 2min45 left, Gasol made three straight baskets - incl a 3pt play - then blocked R.Allen 3pt shot attempt, leading to a breakaway dunk by Ariza and stopping Boston of any possible comeback. Gasol finished with 20pts 5asts & 3blks and the Lakers won 92-83 over the Boston Celtics.  

In a game with a playoffs like atmosphere, Kobe Bryant was the 1st player to show up. Scoring 16pts in the first half while connecting on 8 of his first 11 field goals, he finished with a game high 27pts (13/23 FGS) 9rbds & 5asts.

The win was Phil Jackson's 1000th in his career. He became the fastest coach to do it (1424 games) and should enjoy this millestone a little more since he accomplished it vs the Celtics - a team that prevented him to be the most crowned coach in NBA history last june. He's still tied with Celtics deceased coach Red Auerbach with 9 rings.

With two straight loss last week, the Lakers have reestablished themselves as one of the top favorites to win it all.