Celtics Triumph Over Lakers in Christmas Showdown

In a thrilling Christmas Day matchup, the Boston Celtics emerged victorious against the Los Angeles Lakers with a final score of 126-115 at the Crypto.com Arena on Monday night.

The win propelled the Celtics to an impressive 23-6 record, while the Lakers slipped to 16-15 in the season standings.

Key Takeaway: Celtics’ Dominance Despite First-Half Struggles

The game kicked off with Boston showcasing its offensive prowess, establishing a commanding 30-12 lead in the first quarter. However, the Lakers, determined not to yield to a holiday defeat, mounted a strong comeback.

Despite the Celtics’ recent scoring spree of 289 points in their last two games, they faced a hurdle in their three-point shooting. The team struggled to replicate its earlier success, shooting just 6-of-23 from beyond the arc by halftime. This weakness, which proved costly against the Sacramento Kings and Los Angeles Clippers, inadvertently benefited the Lakers.

In essence, the first half was a struggle for Boston, squandering opportunities and resorting to deep shots instead of seeking more favorable plays.

Second-Half Surge and Player Highlights

Despite the first-half challenges, the Celtics regained momentum in the third quarter with a spectacular 41-point performance, securing their grip on the game and preventing the Lakers from threatening in overtime.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla’s starting unit played a pivotal role, contributing 108 points to the team’s total. Six different Celtics players finished in double figures, concluding their West Coast road trip with a 3-of-4 record.

Stars of the Game

Kristaps Porzingis: Returning after missing the previous game, Porzingis displayed versatility, scoring 28 points with 11 rebounds, two assists, and two blocks.

Anthony Davis (Lakers): Despite the loss, Davis showcased his skills with a game-leading 40 points and 13 rebounds.

Derrick White: White delivered an efficient performance with an 18-point and 11-assist double-double, shooting 8-of-13 from the field and adding two blocks.

Up Next

With a three-game winning streak, the Celtics will return home to face the Eastern Conference-worst Detroit Pistons at TD Garden on Thursday night. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.