The Lakers had won eight straight coming into this one, and Boston was shorthanded. Kristaps Porzingis missed his fifth straight game (illness), and Jrue Holiday hadn’t played since late February. Still, the Celtics prevailed 111-101 with a team effort and strong individual performances.
The first half was a very tight back-and-forth game. Jayson Tatum finished the half with 22 points and a big dunk with seconds left on the clock to put his team up 58-54 at the half.
The Celtics played unbelievable defense in the third quarter, allowing just 13 points from the Lakers. At 40 years old, Al Horford was outstanding on LeBron James and Luka Doncic by staying in front off of switches, contesting shots, and forcing misses. Jaylen Brown also did a heck of a job defending Doncic.
Boston took a 20-point lead into the 4th quarter before things started to get scary. The Lakers cut the lead to four points with an 18-5 run, but by the four-minute mark, the Celtics responded thanks to Holiday and Derrick White. The duo chased down offensive rebounds and gave the Celtics second-chance points.
The Celtics went on to defeat the Lakers 111-101. Tatum scored 40 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists, while Brown added 31 points. White, Horford, and Holiday were great defensively and helped seal the win.
“We are a much better team when Holiday plays,” said Tatum. Tatum understands how important Holiday’s defensive effort and energy are to the Celtics.
The Celtics’ next game will be at home against the Utah Jazz, who are in last place, on Monday at 7:30 on NBC Boston.
