BOSTON — In an intense matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, Jayson Tatum delivered a standout performance, scoring 40 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and handing out eight assists, leading the Boston Celtics to a 111-101 victory on Saturday night. The Lakers, playing without LeBron James who left the game due to a strained groin, managed to cut down a 20-point deficit in the fourth quarter to single digits but fell short in their comeback attempt. Tatum, with the help of Jaylen Brown, who contributed 31 points, secured the final 12 points for the Celtics, sealing the game and extending their winning streak to four games.
LeBron James contributed 22 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists before leaving midway through the fourth quarter. The loss ended the Lakers’ eight-game winning streak in Los Angeles. Luka Doncic, in his first appearance in Boston since the Dallas Mavericks were defeated in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, scored 34 points and grabbed eight rebounds.
In the third quarter, the Lakers struggled significantly, showcasing a lack of offensive cohesion. Despite the addition of Doncic, their connection on the court remains inconsistent at times. Meanwhile, Celtics’ Jrue Holiday returned after missing four games due to an injury, although center Kristaps Porzingis remained sidelined for the fifth game due to an illness.
One of the key moments for Boston came with 3:50 left in the first quarter, when Jaylen Brown stripped the ball from Doncic, initiating a fast break that ended with Al Horford executing a forceful two-handed slam. In the aftermath of his dunk, Horford accidentally kneed Doncic in the head, causing noticeable irritation, though no foul was called.
Defensively, the Celtics held the Lakers to a mere 21% shooting from the field during the third quarter, only allowing five of 23 shots to be made and forcing six turnovers from Los Angeles.
Looking ahead, the Lakers will travel to Brooklyn for their next game on Monday while the Celtics will host the Utah Jazz, also on Monday.
