Indiana Pacers Vs Boston Celtics live match on NBA at Sunday, December 19, 2010.

Indiana Pacers celebrated wildly when they defeated the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center last month. It was business as usual when the Lakers returned the favor in Indiana. Kobe Bryant scored 25 of his 31 points in the second half to help Los Angeles beat the Pacers 109-94 on Wednesday night. The Pacers partied after Bryant missed two chances to force overtime in the closing seconds of Indiana’s 95-92 win on Nov. 28, and it didn’t sit well with the two-time defending NBA champions. “They had a real issue about it,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. “I think the Pacers came back and kind of celebrated in the hallways at Staples, and they remembered that, and they came back with that, ‘Let’s get after them.” The Pacers were trying to sweep the Lakers for the first time since 1992. Instead, they were dominated from the opening tip and never led. “We played with more energy, and a more focused game, and with more of a sense of urgency,” Bryant said. Pau Gasol had 28 points and eight rebounds for the Lakers, and got the best of his matchup with Roy Hibbert after going 5 for 15 with five turnovers and five fouls in the previous meeting. Lakers F Ron Artest got a mixed reaction during pregame introductions. While playing for the Pacers, Artest was suspended for 73 games and the playoffs after fighting with Detroit Pistons fans in 2004. He then requested a trade the next season. Indiana’s first offensive rebound came with 1:36 left in the first half. Cincinnati Bengals receiver Terrell Owens was in the crowd.

Boston Celtics scored 102 defeating Atlanta Hawks at 90. Kevin Garnett had 17 points and 14 rebounds—one of three Boston players with a double-double—to lead the Celtics to their 12th straight win. Paul Pierce(notes) had 15 points and 10 assists and Glen “Big Baby” Davis had 18 points and 10 rebounds. Ray Allen scored 18 points and Nate Robinson had 14 for the Celtics (21-4). Marvin Williams had a season-best 26 points and Jeff Teague scored 18 for the Hawks. Boston point guard Rajon Rondo(notes) missed the game after spraining his left ankle in Wednesday’s win at New York. He’s expected to be sidelined at least a week. Center Shaquille O’Neal was also out, missing his fourth straight game with a sore right calf.

Indiana Pacers Vs Boston Celtics live match on NBA at Sunday, December 19, 2010. Indiana Pacers Vs Boston Celtics live match on NBA at Sunday, December 19, 2010. Indiana Pacers Vs Boston Celtics live match on NBA at Sunday, December 19, 2010. Indiana Pacers Vs Boston Celtics live match on NBA at Sunday, December 19, 2010. Indiana Pacers Vs Boston Celtics live match on NBA at Sunday, December 19, 2010. Indiana Pacers Vs Boston Celtics live match on NBA at Sunday, December 19, 2010.