The two most successful franchises in NBA history, with seventeen championships apiece, rekindled an age-old rivalry earlier today at the Crypto Arena.
The Boston Celtics bounced back from back-to-back losses to secure a 122-118 win in overtime over the Los Angeles Lakers, handing their eternal rivals their fourth loss in five games.
Jason Tatum continued his MVP-esque performance this season with 44 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and five 3-pointers made. Tuesday’s night game was his fourth 40-point or more game this season.
The Celtics led by 13 points at the end of the first quarter, and they increased it to as much as twenty points early in the third before a whirlwind of attacking play from the Lakers.
LeBron James had a record-breaking night with 33 points, nine rebounds, and nine assists to build a 13-point lead for the Lakers after they overcame a 20-point deficit thanks to double-doubles from Anthony Davis (37 points and 12 rebounds) and substitute Russell Westbrook (20 points and 14 rebounds).
James had the 516th 30-point game of his inspiring career, passing Wilt Chamberlain for the second-most in NBA history.
Reigning defensive player of the year Marcus Smart hit four 3s in the game to end with 18 points, while Jaylen Brown scored five of his 25 points in overtime, along with 15 rebounds to secure the win for the Celtics.
Lakers continue to struggle in their push for a playoff spot while Celtics comfortably sit at the top of the Eastern Conference with the league’s best record so far.
In the game between the Houston Rockets and the Phoenix Suns, the Suns slumped to their fifth consecutive loss in a comfortable 111-97 win for the bottom-placed Rockets at the Toyota Center.
With the return of coach Stephen Silas, who was back after missing the last game due to the death of his father, NBA legend Paul Silas, the Suns found it tough to get going as they suffered a terrible shooting performance.
Guard Devin Booker was not in action for the second straight game, but Mikal Bridges led the Suns in scoring with 18 points, while veteran guard Chris Paul added 16 points and seven assists.
Jalen Green (26 points) and Kevin Porter Jr. (18 points) propelled the Rockets to a comfortable victory without trailing throughout the game.
The young team led early with as many as 23 points, with Alperen Sengun recording his eighth double-double of the season with 10 points and 16 rebounds.
The Suns’ duo of Deandre Ayton and Cameron Payne did not return in the second half, adding to their ongoing injury woes.
They are currently fourth in the Western Conference, slipping three spots from their top spot earlier in the season, while the Rockets remain at the bottom with nine wins and eighteen losses.
Other Results
Milwaukee Bucks 128 – 111 Golden State Warriors
Philadelphia 76ers 123 – 103 Sacramento Kings
Utah Jazz 121 – 100 New Orleans Pelicans
