(Photo : Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) Derrick White #9 and Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics defend Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers within the second half at Crypto.com Arena on December 25, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or utilizing this {photograph}, User is consenting to the phrases and circumstances of the Getty Images License Agreement
A Christmas Day conflict between two basic rivals noticed the Boston Celtics hand the Los Angeles Lakers a 126-115 loss at house in Crypto.com Arena.
First Half: Celtics Sled to Early Lead Over Lakers
It was a well-rounded assault for the Celtics who had a number of gamers rating double figures. This included Kristaps Porzingis main the way in which for the Celtics, scoring 28 factors on 11-19 capturing; whereas Jason Tatum additionally had an enormous sport for the Celtics with 25 factors, eight rebounds, and 7 assists. Jalen Brown additionally chipped in with 19 factors, together with Jrue Holiday and Derrick White who scored 18 factors every.
The Lakers’ All-Star huge man, Anthony Davis, led the way in which for LA with 40 factors and 13 rebounds. LeBron James added 16 factors and 9 rebounds together with Taurean Prince would additionally come up huge for the purple and gold scoring 17 factors.
James was vocal on the Lakers’ lack of effort within the Christmas conflict in opposition to the Celtics.
“I don’t think we’re where we wanna be to be able to compete against the top teams,” James mentioned by way of Lakers Daily.
The first quarter was dominated by the Celtics, who jumped out to an early 12-0 lead; and could be as much as as a lot as 18-points inside the opening quarter. This lead was constructed behind a stable defensive effort and a few key buckets from Celtics wing Jaylen Brown.
However, the Lakers would storm again within the second quarter, slicing into the Celtics lead. This comeback was halted by Boston’s guard Payton Prichard, who scored ten factors off the bench within the quarter to present the Cs the sting going into the half.
The Celtics would hit seven of their 24 threes within the first half to shut out the second quarter.
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Second Half: Lakers Stars Attempt Rally, Celtics Close the Door
In the second half we noticed extra of the identical dominationion by the Celtics; who had a 41-point third quarter, led by Prozingis who scored 13 of them.
Los Angeles would then try a late fourth-quarter comeback, led by stars Anthony Davis and LeBron James. This included a late rally within the fourth quarter, which was all snuffed out by the Celtics, who would shut out on the highway in dominant vogue.
Celtics’ key offseason signings, Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, had their palms everywhere in the successful sport. Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla had excessive reward for each gamers.
“They have an understanding of what we’re trying to accomplish, and they’re willing to wear many different hats,” Mazzulla mentioned 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 finish their highway journey having the most effective report within the league, sitting at 23-6. While the Lakers would maintain a report of 16-15, sitting ninth place within the Western Conference.
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