How Could it Happen?

How could it happen?

How could the Lakers, up by 21 (35-14) at the end of the first quarter, up by 24 (45-21) midway through the second period, up by 18 at halftime (58-40) at halftime, up by 20 (70-50) midway through the third quarter, have one of the most staggering meltdowns in NBA history?

How could the Lakers, so brilliant for two-thirds of the match, so overwhelming, so dominating, be out-scored by a staggering 47-21 margin in the final 18 minutes and four seconds by the Boston Celtics?

How could the Lakers Thursday night wind up losing their aggressiveness, their shooting touch, their spirit, their concentration, their heart and, for all intents and purposes, their season by losing the game, 97-91, that had been seemingly safely in their possession?

--LA Times

Answer:

The Zen Master got outcoached, and the GREEN showed more heart.