BOSTON — The Boston Celtics emerged victorious against their historic rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, with a score of 111-101 on Saturday night at TD Garden, marking a significant moment in their storied rivalry.
The matchup was not just any regular season game—it had the intensity of playoff basketball, with both teams showcasing their talents and resilience. With this win, the Celtics improved to 46-18, snapping the Lakers’ impressive eight-game win streak.
The Celtics, spurred on by their star players, came out strong. Jayson Tatum scored 40 points, complemented by 12 rebounds and eight assists, leading all players on the court. His teammate Jaylen Brown was right behind him, contributing 31 points, six rebounds, and some pivotal defensive plays. After the game, NBC Sports Boston noted, "The Jays played fantastic. Jayson Tatum led all players with 40 points, along with 12 rebounds and eight assists. Jaylen Brown scored 31 points with six rebounds and three steals."
Throughout the first half, both teams delivered some of the best basketball fans have seen this season, highlighted by the Celtics' explosive 29-4 run. This strong showing allowed Boston to establish their dominance, at one point leading by as many as 22 points. The Lakers struggled, managing only 13 points during the third quarter, representing their biggest challenge of the night.
Despite facing adversity, the Lakers demonstrated their tenacity. Even with LeBron James leaving the game late due to a groin injury, they rallied back, getting within six points of the Celtics. Nevertheless, Boston maintained composure, executing their game plan effectively to secure the win.
This game also had personal stakes beyond the scoreboard, as it marked Luka Doncic’s first game against the Celtics since the 2024 NBA Finals. Doncic had 34 points and eight rebounds, showcasing his talent, but he faced tough opposition from the Celtics’ defense, reminding him of the high stakes from their last encounter.
James, who has been performing remarkably at 40 years old, finished the night with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists. His departure, just as the Lakers attempted to mount their comeback, prompted concerns about his injury status moving forward.
Both teams were missing key players, with the Celtics being without Kristaps Porzingis and the Lakers without Jaxson Hayes. Despite these absences, there was no shortage of star power on the court as players stepped up to fill the void.
Al Horford, who’s always been reliable for Boston, proved once again why he’s cherished by the team. He played with grit, contributing 14 points and nine rebounds over 37 minutes of play, embodying the physicality needed to match the Lakers' intensity.
Coach Joe Mazzulla's tight rotation showcased his commitment to winning, with Tatum logging 45 minutes and Brown playing 42, demonstrating their importance to the team’s success even as they headed toward the final stretch of the season.
The historical significance of this matchup always brings excitement and anticipation, with fans already speculating about the potential for these two titans to meet again later in the playoffs. With both teams playing at such high levels, the stage is set for more thrilling encounters as the NBA playoffs approach.
Next up, the Celtics will host the Utah Jazz on Monday, March 10, 2025, as part of their seven-game homestand. Fans are eager to see if Boston can continue their winning ways and how the Lakers will bounce back from this setback.
Overall, Saturday night’s contest reaffirmed the rich history between the Celtics and Lakers, underlining their mutual desire to claim supremacy not only within each other’s rivalry but also for the entire NBA.