Celtics at Clippers
THE STORY: Despite an effort by Golden State to let Los Angeles back in the game, the Clippers fell out of first place behind the Lakers in the Pacific Division, suffering a 97-93 loss Sunday to the Warriors, who led by 21 in the third quarter. The Celtics will try to put the Clippers further behind their co-tenants when they meet Monday. Boston opened an eight-game trip by blowing a late lead and losing 97-94 to the Lakers, who scored the final eight points. Kobe Bryant, who scored 26 points while still wearing a protective mask for his nose, deferred the final shot to Andrew Bynum, who scored with 15.6 seconds to go.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN, CS New England (Celtics), FS Prime Ticket (Clippers)
ABOUT THE CELTICS (21-19): Backup forward Chris Wilcox will be out indefinitely after a routine monthly exam discovered a potential heart abnormality that will require more testing. “Obviously team-wise, it's a hell of a blow for us. It's not a great place. It's scary, it really is,” coach Doc Rivers said. Rajon Rondo led the Celtics with 24 points and 10 assists, but missed a final tying attempt. “They made the shots down the stretch and we didn't,” Rondo said. “We had some good looks at the rim, but shots didn't fall and we couldn't get a stop.”
ABOUT THE CLIPPERS (23-16): Boston will see its second masked man at Staples Center. Clippers point guard Chris Paul wore a clear protective facemask against the Warriors after suffering a nasal fracture against San Antonio on Friday. He had 23 points and five assists in his first outing and will be wearing the mask for a few weeks. Clippers reserve forward Kenyon Martin missed his second straight game with sore ribs and could be out again tonight.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Paul has at least one steal in 43 consecutive games.
2. The Celtics were 13 of 16 from the field in the third quarter, but the Lakers made 10 of 14 free throws and Boston did not even make it to the line. Both teams scored 28 in the quarter.
3. The Clippers missed 16 of 35 free throws against the Warriors, eight by Blake Griffin (7 of 15).