Kobe Bryant was introduced at TD Garden for the last time

And it was Kobe Bryant – in his final game at the Garden – who iced the game.

For Boston, Isiah Thomas lead the way with 24 points and 7 assists. But something was still missing, especially for Kobe who was named Finals MVP. He waved to the crowd as he walked down the runway to the locker room, with the fans cheering and chanting his name.

“I wish I could do more to show my gratitude to them, ” said Bryant, who has an 11-12 record at Boston for his career, counting the postseason. “So I don’t think they really understand how much they meant to my career”.

At 37, the years of National Basketball Association mileage have finally caught up to Bryant.

That surge could continue against a Los Angeles team that ranks near the bottom of the league with a 46.5 defensive field-goal percentage and 107.2 points allowed per game. The Celtics have consistently played strong defense and now that they are finally putting together long stretches of strong offensive games, they are reaching their potential. “That was the turning point”.

“I grew up a really big historian of the game and understanding Boston’€™s history, the players, many different players, championships won, and so this place is always special to me”, Bryant said of his final visit to the hub as a player. While the Lakers-Celtics rivalry of the current generation didn’t have the longevity of the Magic-Bird era or the days of Jerry West and Bill Russell, it certainly had its own thrills with Kobe being right at the center of it all.

Kobe Bryant came out to cheers before his final game in Boston on Wednesday night. “It’s got to be on us getting better”, coach Brad Stevens said.

After a back-and-forth first half, the Lakers found separation in the third quarter.

The move has been a relative success, in that Los Angeles is slowly starting to isolate less and pass more.

“He made some big shots at the end of the game”, Bradley said, adding there was an wonderful atmosphere in the building.

Me: “Well, maybe that was a little bit of an overreaction to a free throw”.

“I can’t remember the win without remembering the loss, and I say that in the most attractive way possible”, Bryant said. Because when we lost (to the Celtics) in 2008, that was the turn for me.

“I was determined and said listen I have to figure a solution with this leadership thing and do whatever is necessary”, Bryant said. “I feel completely at peace”. “Truly at peace. It’s time”.

Prior to the game, the Celtics had honored Bryant by presenting him with a piece of the famous Boston parquet floor, and the team had been thoughtful enough to pull out a piece from the 2010 season, which ended with the Lakers beating the Celtics in the NBA Finals. Michael Jordan also retired three times, in the last instance joylessly playing out a string of games for the hapless Washington Wizards.

Next, the Lakers (6-27) return home to face the Philadelphia 76ers on New Year’s Day.

Celtics: Host Brooklyn on Saturday.