Lakers-Celtics rivalry -- highs and lows from over the years

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And now for The Times’ first-ever pre-game show, in anticipation of Thursday’s Celtics-Lakers game. Here are some of the great moments in their storied rivalry that are available on YouTube.

Don Nelson’s shot hitting the back of the rim, bouncing up and then going in as the Celtics hold off the fast-closing Lakers in Game 7 of the 1969 Finals.

Boston fans chanting ‘Beat L.A.!’ to the 76ers, who are in the process of upsetting the Celtics in Game 7 of the 1982 East Finals at the Boston Garden.

Gerald Henderson stealing James Worthy’s pass as the Celtics rally to win Game 2 in the 1984 series that they’ll ultimately win 4-3, making them 8-0 against the Lakers in the Finals.

Kevin McHale clotheslining Kurt Rambis in Game 4 in 1984 as the Celtics, who have trailed in the final minute of every game to that point, steal another one back to tie the series, 2-2.

The Lakers breaking through in 1985, eliminating the Celtics in Game 6 in Boston Garden, with former Boston great Tommy Heinsohn doing color commentary for CBS.

Magic Johnson’s “junior, junior sky hook” beating the Celtics in Game 5 of the 1987 Finals, en route to the Lakers’ fourth of five titles in the decade to the Celtics’ three.

Kevin Garnett’s emotional “What you going to say now?” speech after the Celtics trample the Lakers in Game 6 in last spring’s Finals.

A downcast Kobe Bryant after the Lakers’ crushing 131-92 defeat in last spring’s Game 6.

-- Mark Heisler