A Christmas Day clash between two classic rivals saw the Boston Celtics hand the Los Angeles Lakers a 126-115 loss at home in Crypto.com Arena.
First Half: Celtics Sled to Early Lead Over Lakers
It was a well-rounded attack for the Celtics who had several players score double figures. This included Kristaps Porzingis leading the way for the Celtics, scoring 28 points on 11-19 shooting; while Jason Tatum also had a big game for the Celtics with 25 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists. Jalen Brown also chipped in with 19 points, along with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White who scored 18 points each.
The Lakers' All-Star big man, Anthony Davis, led the way for LA with 40 points and 13 rebounds. LeBron James added 16 points and nine rebounds along with Taurean Prince would also come up big for the purple and gold scoring 17 points.
James was vocal on the Lakers' lack of effort in the Christmas clash against the Celtics.
"I don't think we're where we wanna be to be able to compete against the top teams," James said via Lakers Daily.
The first quarter was dominated by the Celtics, who jumped out to an early 12-0 lead; and would be up to as much as 18-points within the opening quarter. This lead was built behind a solid defensive effort and some key buckets from Celtics wing Jaylen Brown.
However, the Lakers would storm back in the second quarter, cutting into the Celtics lead. This comeback was halted by Boston's guard Payton Prichard, who scored ten points off the bench in the quarter to give the Cs the edge going into the half.
The Celtics would hit seven of their 24 threes in the first half to close out the second quarter.
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Second Half: Lakers Stars Attempt Rally, Celtics Close the Door
In the second half we saw more of the same dominationion by the Celtics; who had a 41-point third quarter, led by Prozingis who scored 13 of them.
Los Angeles would then attempt a late fourth-quarter comeback, led by stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James. This included a late rally in the fourth quarter, which was all snuffed out by the Celtics, who would close out on the road in dominant fashion.
Celtics' key offseason signings, Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, had their hands all over the winning game. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla had high praise for both players.
"They have an understanding of what we're trying to accomplish, and they're willing to wear many different hats," Mazzulla said per The Boston Herald.
Mazzulla continued, "They both have been one of the focal points on their team and I think them coming in and working together with the guys that have already been here about understanding the dynamic of when talent has to play together. Each guy's gotta reinvent themselves a little bit."
The Celtics would end their road trip having the best record in the league, sitting at 23-6. While the Lakers would hold a record of 16-15, sitting ninth place in the Western Conference.
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