Lakers Stun Lackluster Celtics, Reaves Drops 32 in 114-105 Victory

In a matchup filled with controversy and frustration for the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers, without LeBron James and Anthony Davis, delivered a surprising 114-105 victory. Austin Reaves emerged as the star of the night, dropping a career-high 32 points to lead the Lakers to an unexpected triumph.

The game began with a jolt as Jayson Tatum took a hard hit from Rui Hachimura, setting the tone for a night of intense competition. The Celtics, already angered by the absence of James and Davis, struggled to find their rhythm in the first half, committing 11 sloppy turnovers.

The second half saw the Lakers extend their lead to 14 points, with Austin Reaves and D’Angelo Russell leading the offensive charge. Despite a spirited effort from Tatum, who engaged in a physical tussle for the ball with Hachimura, the Celtics failed to overcome the Lakers’ double-digit advantage.

Austin Reaves dominated the offensive end, scoring 11 points in the first quarter and sinking three of the Lakers’ five three-pointers in the first half. The Lakers, typically challenged in shooting, enjoyed a rare 52% shooting surge in the first half.

While Tatum showcased moments of brilliance, including two threes, a layup, and a crucial feed to Sam Hauser, the Celtics couldn’t halt the Lakers’ offensive onslaught. Boston struggled with turnovers, committing 15 in total, as the Lakers capitalized on fast breaks and maintained their lead throughout the game.

Despite attempts to cut into the lead, the Celtics faced defensive challenges and offensive struggles, with Jaylen Brown finishing 4-for-12 on the night. Reaves continued to shine for the Lakers, reaching 30 points with a pull-up jumper, while Russell contributed with 14 assists.

In the closing minutes, the Lakers built a substantial lead, prompting Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla to empty his bench with 2:01 remaining. The victory marks a significant moment for the Lakers, who showcased resilience in the absence of their star players, while the Celtics face questions about their performance and ability to contend in the future.