The NBA’s best rivalry was renewed on Saturday when the Celtics hosted the Lakers.
Listed here are three takeaways from Boston’s 111-101 win.
Celtics nonetheless the category of the NBA
The defending champs responded from an early eight-point deficit to win their fourth consecutive sport. Boston’s star duo, capturing guard Jaylen Brown and small ahead Jayson Tatum, mixed for 71 factors.
Tatum had 40 factors, giving him three 40-point regular-season video games in opposition to the Lakers, probably the most in Celtics franchise historical past. (h/t Stathead) He added 12 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and a block to remind everybody that he may be the NBA’s most underappreciated famous person.
Brown’s 31 factors have been his third-most in opposition to the Lakers in 16 regular-season video games. The 2024 Finals MVP additionally chipped in with six rebounds, two assists and three steals because the Celtics turned up the defensive depth after following the opening 12 minutes.
The Celtics have stiff competitors of their repeat quest, particularly from the red-hot Cavaliers (53-10, first in Jap Convention), who’ve gained 13 in a row, and the Thunder (52-11, first in Western Convention), driving a six-game profitable streak. However in contrast to these groups, Boston’s core has years of playoff expertise below its belt. With the common season getting into its remaining month, the Celtics are as formidable as ever.
LeBron James damage places Lakers’ title desires on pause
James suffered a groin damage early within the fourth quarter and didn’t return. After the sport, ESPN NBA reporter Dave McMenamin shared, “One supply mentioned that preliminary thought is that it’ll sideline James for a matter of weeks, not a matter of days.”
