Boston Celtics Put an End to Lakers Eight-Win Streak
The Boston Celtics beat the Los Angeles Lakers 111-101 in a fierce battle between the two second-seed teams within the Eastern and Western conferences. This matchup was heavily anticipated between the two rivals, especially given the addition of Luka Doncic to the Lakers this past month and the Lakers’ recent rise in ranking. Unsurprisingly, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown fiercely led the Celtics with 40 and 31 points, respectively, while Luka Doncic and LeBron James led the Lakers with 34 and 22 points.
Both teams were neck and neck in the first half, trading three-pointers back and forth; the Lakers made eight three-pointers, and the Celtics made nine. Both teams also played efficient defense throughout the first half, but cracks in the Lakers’ defense began to show. Two Lakers starters, center Jaxson Hayes and forward Rui Hachimura, were notably out of the lineup with injuries. Hayes’ absence was especially felt both on the offensive side due to his lob-action with Doncic and his role as a rim protector on the defensive end. The Celtics were also missing Kristaps Porzingis. The third quarter went poorly for the Lakers, as they struggled with shooting and defense, making only five field goals and committing six turnovers, trailing by as much as twenty points. Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown shined on both ends, making the Lakers pay on every offensive and defensive possession. The fourth quarter, however, is when the Lakers creeped back into the game, getting within four points of the Celtics as their shots began to fall. Although they gained back some momentum, with six minutes left in the game, Lebron James exited due to injury, and the Celtics continued to dominate.
Overall, Luka Doncic struggled with scoring and playmaking throughout the game with a plus-minus of -19, despite scoring 34 points. Jaylen Brown and Al Horford played tight defense on him, suffocating Doncic’s typical magic. Although the Lakers kept up their recently celebrated defense throughout the first half, this did not hold in the second half, allowing Boston’s points to pour in. The Lakers will be facing a tough upcoming schedule, playing the Milwaukee Bucks next Thursday and the Denver Nuggets on Friday. The health of Lebron James, Luka Doncic, Jaxson Hayes, and Rui Hachimura will be imperative for their success.
