The Boston Celtics maintained their momentum in the NBA regular season by defeating the Sacramento Kings 113-95 at the Golden 1 Center on Monday, March 24, 2025. However, the night was overshadowed by an injury to star player Jayson Tatum, who twisted his ankle during the third quarter and did not return to the game.
Tatum, who had been performing exceptionally well up to that point, scored 25 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out eight assists in just 26 minutes of play. The injury occurred when Tatum landed awkwardly on the foot of Kings player Domantas Sabonis while attempting a three-point shot. After the incident, Tatum was seen in good spirits, without crutches or a walking boot, though he did have a slight limp.
“I didn’t see the play, but he seems to be alright,” said Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla. He praised Tatum's focus and determination, noting that the forward managed to shoot free throws after the foul that caused his injury. Mazzulla added, “I asked Tatum how he was feeling, and he gave me a thumbs up. We’ll do everything we can to ensure he recovers quickly.”
Despite Tatum's absence, the Celtics showcased their depth and resilience, extending their lead in the fourth quarter. Players like Baylor Scheierman and Derrick White stepped up, contributing significantly to the victory. With this win, Boston secured its sixth consecutive triumph and solidified its position as the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
Meanwhile, the Kings, who are still fighting for a playoff spot, faced disappointment with this loss, now sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference. Sabonis, who was involved in the play that injured Tatum, recorded a double-double with 16 points and 17 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Celtics.
In another game on the same night, the Los Angeles Lakers fell to the Orlando Magic 118-106 at the Kia Center. The Magic’s Franz Wagner led the charge with 32 points and nine assists, showcasing a stellar performance alongside teammate Paolo Banchero, who also contributed significantly to the score. On the Lakers’ side, Luka Doncic matched Wagner’s 32 points, while LeBron James added 24 points. However, the Lakers struggled defensively, which ultimately cost them the game.
After the game, Lakers coach JJ Redick expressed his frustration with the team’s inability to maintain intensity. “We weren’t able to sustain the same level of intensity we started the game with. There are some players, perhaps because they’re out of the lineup, who seem tired. We need to get back to being who we are,” he remarked, following the team’s third consecutive defeat.
The Celtics’ victory and the Lakers’ loss highlight the contrasting fortunes faced by these two storied franchises as the regular season winds down. With the playoffs on the horizon, the health of key players like Tatum becomes increasingly critical for Boston. His current season averages stand at 27.1 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game, underscoring his importance to the Celtics’ championship aspirations.
As the playoffs approach, the Celtics will monitor Tatum's recovery closely, knowing that his performance will be pivotal in their pursuit of a title. The team’s management is keen on managing the minutes of their starters, especially with the postseason looming. Tatum’s injury, while concerning, has not dampened the spirits of the Celtics, who remain focused on their goal of securing a championship.
Looking ahead, the Celtics will continue to refine their strategy and depth as they prepare for their next matchup. The upcoming games will be crucial for maintaining their momentum and ensuring that they are ready for the challenges that lie ahead in the playoffs.
As for the Kings, they will need to regroup quickly to secure a playoff spot, as their recent performances have left them in a precarious position. With the intensity of the playoff race heating up, every game counts, and the Kings will have to dig deep to make their mark.
Overall, the NBA landscape is shifting as teams jockey for postseason positioning, and the outcomes of these games will have lasting implications for all involved. With the Celtics looking strong and the Lakers aiming to bounce back, fans can expect an exciting finish to the regular season.
