Celtics Crush Lakers: Sixth Man Shines in Dominant Win
The Boston Celtics delivered a commanding performance against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday, winning 111-89 at Crypto.com Arena. This victory solidifies their status as one of the hottest teams in the NBA, improving their record to 37-19 and extending their winning streak to eight games out of the last nine. The Lakers, meanwhile, fell to 34-22 with this defeat.
Celtics Dominate in Second Half
Both teams were fully staffed, allowing star players to shine in this nationally-televised matchup. The first half featured a competitive back-and-forth dynamic, but the Celtics managed to establish a 10-point lead by halftime. They maintained control throughout the third quarter, consistently fending off any attempts by the Lakers to narrow the score.
Star Performers
- Jaylen Brown: 32 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists
- Payton Pritchard: 30 points, 8 assists
- Luka Doncic (Lakers): 25 points
- LeBron James (Lakers): 20 points, 5 assists
Each time Los Angeles sought to rally, the Celtics responded effectively, preventing the Lakers from regaining control in the second half.
Takeaways from the Game
Pritchard’s Stellar Performance
Payton Pritchard showcased his talent, returning to a critical role as a reserve guard. He excelled on the court, shooting 10-for-14 overall and 6-for-9 from beyond the arc. Pritchard even hit a buzzer-beater three-pointer just before halftime, enhancing his contributions as a key bench player. Having averaged 22.5 points in his previous six games, Pritchard has proven he can thrive regardless of his starting status.
Pursuing the 40-20 Benchmark
The Celtics are on the brink of hitting notable milestones, particularly the 40-20 win mark, a benchmark recognized by Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson. Despite missing Jayson Tatum, hitting 40 wins early could be pivotal for the Celtics’ championship ambitions, as many teams achieving this mark historically make deep playoff runs.
Center Rotation Adjustments
Following the acquisition of Nikola Vucevic at the trade deadline, the Celtics adjusted their center rotation. Neemias Queta remains the starter, while Vucevic is adapting to his new role off the bench, contributing a solid nine points in 21 minutes on the court.
Marcus Smart’s Return
This game marked the first time that Marcus Smart faced the Celtics as a member of the Lakers, having previously missed their encounter in December. Unfortunately for Smart, his performance fell short; he shot 0-for-7, including five missed three-pointers, and finished the game with no points and four assists. Prior to the game, he expressed reflective thoughts about his former teammates, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum.
Next Up for the Celtics
The Celtics will continue their momentum as they face a shorthanded Phoenix Suns team on Tuesday at 9 p.m. in Phoenix. They will look to extend their winning streak and move closer to the 40-20 milestone.
