2/20/12: Celtics @ Lakers Stat Pack

*The Lakers are the only non-playoff team in the NBA that currently has a positive point differential this season (+0.7).
–The Celtics are back to a negative point differential in 2012-13 (-0.1).

*Via Elias: The Celtics have not beaten the Lakers twice in one calendar month since January 1975.

*The Celtics are now 0-6 in road games against Western Conference opponents this season.
–The Celtics are 8-16 (.333) overall this season on the road.
–2011-12 C’s road record: 15-18 (.455).
–2010-11 C’s road record: 23-18 (.561).
–2009-10 C’s road record: 26-15 (.634).
–2008-09 C’s road record: 27-14 (.659).
–2007-08 C’s road record: 31-10 (.756).
–2006-07 C’s road record: 12-29 (.293).

*Wednesday was a first for Paul Pierce’s career. It was the first time he made 2 or fewer shots, attempted 14 or more shots and fouled out in the same game.
–And it was only the 4^th time in his 1,208-game career (including the playoffs) that he made 2 or fewer field goals and attempted 14 or more field goals in the same game.

*The Celtics have now prevented their opponent from scoring 100 points in regulation in 12 of their last 13 games (Boston has an 8-5 record in that span).
–The Lakers have given up at least 100 points in 3 of their last 5 games. They have lost all 3, including the 116-95 loss to the Celtics. The Lakers won the other 2 games.
–Overall, the Lakers are 7-22 this season when giving up at least 100 points (18-7 otherwise).

*Pierce has recorded at least 5 rebounds in 16 consecutive games, the 5^th-longest streak of his career (including the playoffs). It is also tied for his 3^rd-longest regular season streak.
–Longest regular season streak: 18 straight games in 2004-05 and 2002.
–Longest overall streak (including playoffs): 23 straight games in 2005 and 2003.

*Recent Meetings: Celtics vs. Lakers
–The Lakers and Nuggets both have a .545 winning percentage (6-5 record each) against the Celtics since 2007-08, tied for the best regular season winning percentage vs. Boston in that span.

*Milestone Watch:

–All-Time NBA Steals–
15. Kobe Bryant 1,796
16. Magic Johnson 1,724
16. Kevin Garnett 1,724            (Garnett needs 1 to pass Magic for 16^th place)

–All-Time NBA Free Throws Made–
10. Allen Iverson 6,375
11. Charles Barkley 6,349
12. Paul Pierce 6,334                        (Pierce needs 16 to move into 11^th place)