Ray Allen is the new three-point king
Ray Allen could be traded at the deadline. Reuters

The Celtics took a seven-point lead going into the second quarter, but the only real first-quarter highlight belonged to Celtics guard Ray Allen and his historic chase to become the NBA's all-time three-point shooting king.

Allen tied Reggie Miller's three-point record with about 4:13 remaining in the quarter, and almost came back the very next play and surpassed the record but his shot rimmed out. The TD Garden faithful became immediately energized.

They didn't have to wait much longer. Less than two minutes later, the sellout crowd got what they were waiting for. They jumped to their feet as three-pointer number 2,561 went through the net. Between quarters, the Celtics' organization celebrated the record, with Allen appearing emotionally moved by the outpouring of affection.

As expected, Miller, who is seated courtside as he does color commentating for TNT, was overcome with excitement and anticipation during the entire quarter. Allen and Miller shook hands while Andrew Bynum took a pair of free throws on the Lakers' following possession after the record-breaking shot.

As for the first half, the Lakers went to Bynum and Gasol in the early going with the Lakers big men combining for 24 points and 10 rebounds. Meanwhile, Kobe Bryant has mainly took a less aggressive role. Bryant finished the half with only 3 points on 1-of-3 shooting from the field, and 1-of-2 from the free-throw line.

The Celtics led by seven after the first period, with Allen leading all scorers with 12 points. Boston led by as many as 15 in the first half, before the Lakers went on a 10-0 run.

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