The Boston Celtics narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 122-118 in overtime Tuesday night after nearly choking away a third straight loss. Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics, ending the night with 44 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, serving as the engine behind an emphatic comeback.
Boston surrendered what was once a big first-half lead, going ice cold and allowing the Lakers to find a groove down the stretch. From there, the two longtime rivals traded blows, with the visiting team ultimately grabbing the win in an extra period. The Celtics narrowly outscored the Lakers 12-8 in overtime.
Boston finally heads home after a difficult six-game road trip. The Celtics went 4-2 in that stretch, a pretty strong result given how disappointing some of the losses were. Now the Celtics head home for the longest home stand of the year.
Celtics Lab 159: On fake jerseys for real Boston wins, fantasy sports and remembering Paul Silas with Pete Rogers https://t.co/rHbMySsYwo
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 13, 2022
Here’s what you may have missed from Boston’s big win against Los Angeles.
It was a game of runs
Boston was in the driver’s seat for the entire first half of the game and much of the third period. A devastating 27-4 run from the Lakers completely reoriented the momentum of the game, however.
Los Angeles came alive and looked poised to cruise to a surprising victory. Boston went on its own 17-4 run to erase the lead LA had built. A clutch shot by Jayson Tatum helped send the game to overtime.
Once in overtime, the Celtics took over. A clutch 3-pointer from Grant Williams was perhaps the dagger, though Tatum and Jaylen Brown were both excellent in the bonus period. Jaylen Brown went 25 points and 15 rebounds for the night.
For a team as storied as the Boston Celtics are, there are surprisingly fewer than you might think. https://t.co/2271p7FuZM
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 14, 2022
The Celtics were out-muscled
Boston simply didn’t play to the same level as Los Angeles at the rim, especially down the stretch. The Lakers were more physical and more disciplined – being without Robert Williams and Al Horford really hurt the Celts.
The Lakers shot 30 free throws compared to just 16 from the Celtics. LA also finished with 3 fewer turnovers than Boston. Lakers big man Anthony Davis ended the night with 37 and 12, highlighting just how out-muscled the Celts were.
Boston’s resurgent 3-point shooting helped alleviate the problem. The Celtics went 19-for-48 from deep after struggling mightily over their last two games.
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— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 14, 2022
Boston finished a tough road trip 4-2
Boston is finally heading home after a grueling road trip, the longest of the season. The Celtics did take care of business against a surging Brooklyn Nets team and the always dangerous Phoenix Suns, but losing efforts against the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers took some shine off of the apple.
After tonight’s result, the Celtics end the road trip with a 4-2 record, punctuated by a dramatic win against the team’s long-time rival. The Celts now head back to the Hub for a seven-game home stand.
This is the longest stretch of consecutive games in Boston, and features a Christmas Day tilt against the Milwaukee Bucks and a rematch against the LA Clippers.
More disconnected play and a lack of mobile, competent depth in the frontcourt sunk the Celtics. https://t.co/zniGdNhco2
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) December 14, 2022
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