In a stunning display of dominance, the Boston Celtics crushed the Los Angeles Lakers 111-101 at TD Garden last night, marking their fourth consecutive victory and pushing their record to an impressive 46-18 this season. The Celtics, missing star Kristaps Porzingis for the fifth straight game, showcased their resilience, with Jason Tatum leading the charge, scoring 40 points and grabbing 12 rebounds, while Jaylen Brown added 31 points.
From the outset, Boston established control, surging to a 22-point lead in the third quarter. Despite a late push from the Lakers, who saw LeBron James exit in the fourth due to a groin injury, the Celtics held firm, with Tatum and Brown scoring the final 12 points to seal the deal. Boston’s defense was relentless, forcing turnovers and dominating the boards, with their starters combining for 102 of the team’s total points.
Al Horford stepped up in Porzingis’ absence, contributing 14 points and nine rebounds, while Drew Holiday returned from injury to provide steady play. The Celtics’ collective effort on both ends of the floor was evident, as they showcased a balanced attack and suffocating defense that left the Lakers scrambling.
This victory not only evens the season series between these two fierce rivals but also serves as a stark reminder of the Celtics’ potential, even when not at full strength. With Tatum and Brown firing on all cylinders, Boston is proving to be a formidable force as they eye a deep playoff run. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Celtics to see if they can maintain this momentum and capitalize on their current form.