The Boston Celtics demonstrated their team's depth with a 126-115 Christmas Day win over the Los Angeles Lakers, as Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White led the charge, overshadowing the efforts of stars Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday. Porzingis was pivotal with 28 points, 11 rebounds, and a key block on LeBron James. Anthony Davis shone for the Lakers with 40 points and 13 rebounds, but his performance was not enough to overcome the Celtics, who had led by as much as 18 points in the first quarter. The Lakers managed to close the gap to 58-57 by halftime, but the Celtics' strong defensive half and ability to draw fouls played a significant role in their victory. The game also featured injury concerns, with Jaylen Brown suffering a lower back contusion after a collision with James, who later reported knee soreness. Brown was initially questionable to return but did play in the second half. Jayson Tatum reflected on the significance of the win and the impact of Kobe Bryant, stating it was a 'dream come true.' Additionally, the Lakers had a successful challenge on a foul call against LeBron James, which was overturned in favor of a foul on Taurean Prince.
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are both questionable for tomorrow’s game vs. the Pistons 👀 https://t.co/gdvoUByJCn
Lakers News: LeBron James Blames Celtics Loss On Health, Despite LA Being Pretty Healthy https://t.co/4NTKwLGdis
Some good news for the Pistons 👀 Jaylen Brown & Jayson Tatum are currently listed as questionable for tomorrow's game. Does the losing streak end Thursday? 🍿 https://t.co/4sPGADWDr1
Jaylen Brown is questionable (back contusion from collision with LeBron) for tomorrow’s battle of the NBA’s best and worst teams when the Pistons visit the Celtics. Jayson Tatum is also questionable as he manages his left ankle sprain.
Lakers News: LA Concedes Team Outclassed By Celtics Starters https://t.co/XOmNxWkcCi
Joe Mazzulla was raving about Jayson Tatum’s performance after the game #JaysonTatum #JoeMazzulla https://t.co/eLMXLuGYct
Tuesday's @LockedOnLakers podcast! The Lakers have a bad Christmas, lose 126-115 to the Celtics. How much of the problem is the new starting lineup?@LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods Subscribe. Rate. Enjoy. Thx! https://t.co/V0CjQZGIDS
🎄 The Celtics are the most balanced team 🎄 Jaime Jaquez Jr. is THAT dude 🎄 This is the best Luka yet The #RingerNBA crew’s takeaways from the Christmas Day slate: https://t.co/0ue4TV1BEj
Lakers Injury Report: LeBron James Hurts Knee Vs Celtics https://t.co/ovD7WPL567
Are the Celtics the NBA’s most balanced team? The @ringernba team dishes its five biggest takeaways from the Christmas Day games: https://t.co/cj6LIZ7RHB
Jayson Tatum doesn’t have to take a back seat when he can’t score. He can still make an impact — this entire Celtics roster can, writes @JaredWeissNBA. And it was on display during a Christmas win over the Lakers. It's what makes Boston so lethal. 🔗 https://t.co/MOjpWb6Xyu https://t.co/nZBo4TtVrV
LeBron James gives update on knee injury after Christmas Day clash vs. Celtics #LeBronJames https://t.co/ovkfML69y3
Celtics take down Lakers on Christmas Day #BostonCeltics #LosAngelesLakers https://t.co/VfWvmxyN2V
Fans React To Celtics Win Over Lakers On Christmas: "Wasted An Anthony Davis Masterclass" https://t.co/JC5fdEH3X9
In their Christmas Day loss to the Celtics, the Lakers have plenty of issues to iron out. But are the Lakers able to fix them? My dispatch for @SportingTrib https://t.co/mfTdxVHYTG
Lakers Highlights: LA Outclassed By Boston Starters In Christmas Defeat https://t.co/gNWNinlMgH
The balanced Celtics overcame a big day by Anthony Davis to win the NBA’s Christmas showcase matchup over the Lakers. https://t.co/v7Cr3T380n
Anthony Davis is the fourth Laker with 40+ points on Christmas Day, joining: Jerry West (2x - 47 pts: 1963 and 44 pts: 1965) Kobe Bryant (42 pts: 2004) Elgin Baylor (40 pts: 1961) https://t.co/CICEeUem7B
The Celtics showed on Christmas why, if healthy, they're going to be extremely hard to stop in the playoffs @SIChrisMannix on how Boston spoiled the Lakers’ Christmas with another offensive clinic ↓ https://t.co/ZQhtSQ4PTK
How Boston Celtics are showing they’re NBA title favorites after Christmas Day win over the Lakers. My dispatch for @Sportsnaut https://t.co/iMC5ZojRQT
Video breakdown: Six minutes of the Celtics putting on an offensive clinic to close out the Lakers https://t.co/mis16F8D3z
A disappointing loss against the Celtics on Christmas Day shows both the promise and the work still left to be done for the Lakers to be elite. @LakersSBN https://t.co/JpU0bHaRmQ
Porzingis, Celtics start strong in 126-115 Christmas Day win over Davis, Lakers https://t.co/7JszmympdX
Lakers vs. Celtics game story: https://t.co/rhhYAl9zP3
LeBron kept it real about the state of the Lakers after their Christmas Day loss to the Celtics https://t.co/NafAdKaU03
BSJ Game Report: Celtics 126, Lakers 115 - Porzingis puts bow on a great road trip https://t.co/2vZThw3jID
I asked Jayson Tatum about the impact of Kobe Bryant and how significant a win like this is against the Lakers: "It's a dream come true. I never take these moments for granted. As a kid, I watched the Lakers my whole life growing up." #Lakers #Celtics @SportingTrib https://t.co/81mkdENKvO
I asked Jayson Tatum about the impact of Kobe Bryant and how significant a win like this is against the Lakers: "It's a dream come true. I never take these moments for granted. As a kid, I watched the Lakers my whole life growing up." #Lakers #Celtics https://t.co/D1cpLDPis6
"It's a dream come true." - Jayson Tatum on winning a #NBAXmas game in LA 🗣️ https://t.co/iSxEGeirjB
LeBron had the most wholesome postgame exchange with Deuce Tatum https://t.co/x4EswdG5h9
Jayson Tatum on beating the Lakers on Christmas Day and what it means considering the rivalry and that Kobe Bryant is his idol https://t.co/sAare9qa1r
Jayson Tatum on his matchup against LeBron James: "You've got to give LeBron a lot of credit. He's been the most complete player in the game for a very long time." #Celtics
Jayson Tatum sounds off after the Celtics' #NBAXmas W! 🎄🗣️ https://t.co/ibx79ouKpJ
Anthony Davis' 40 points not enough in Lakers' loss to Celtics on Christmas. https://t.co/RkRObvVqQa Click the image to read more:
Anthony Davis dropped 40 PTS and 13 REB in a tough #NBAXmas loss to the Celtics 🎄 https://t.co/XPeq88d7BV
JT & Deuce walk off after the Celtics secure the #NBAXmas win in LA 🎄 https://t.co/zSivQywI5c
Kristaps Porzingis on being the star of the Lakers-Celtics game https://t.co/JTu87VlSAa
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla puts winning against the Lakers on Christmas Day into perspective https://t.co/VdFYda8VB9
LeBron links Jayson Tatum and Tatum’s son Deuce after the C’s win 🤝 (via @NBA) https://t.co/seLbbQpX4Q
Celtics blast Lakers to complete 3-1 road trip https://t.co/MWH0oyLSH3 https://t.co/8XAKm3I7rE
Jaylen Brown with the Kobe Reverse Grinch. Featuring the Nike Swoosh removed. https://t.co/Qgiv1Kvl4s
LeBron James says his knee is still sore from the collision with Jaylen Brown.
Deuce and Jayson Tatum wish you a "Happy Christmas" 🎄 #NBAXmas https://t.co/aEUk26vm9c
Jayson Tatum 🤝 LeBron James All love after Boston's #NBAXmas win! 🎥: @NBA https://t.co/aJnP7rUNzO
JT 🤝 LBJ LeBron James chops it up with Deuce and Jayson Tatum after the Celtics' #NBAXmas win 🎄 https://t.co/xVRG1BxQA8
The Celtics spoil Christmas in LA for the Lakers ☘️❄️ https://t.co/XsaJljH9G5
Tatum was rockin’ the Kobe armband in the Celtics’ Christmas W in LA 🔥 https://t.co/SBZNahjpCl
Darvin Ham pointed to the 14 free throw attempts from Boston in the 3rd Q as being pivotal, after LAL had battled back to erase the big 18-point 1st Q deficit.
Final: BOS 126, LAL 115. LAL fell behind 12-0 to start the game, and by 18 in the 1st Q, expending quite a bit of energy to take a momentary lead early in the 3rd Q before Boston pulled it back. Anthony Davis finished with 40 points, 13 boards, 4 assists and 1 block in defeat.
Despite the loss, AD went off vs. Boston this evening 🟣 40 Points 🟣 13 Rebounds 🟣 15-26 FGs https://t.co/rUH5vT2uhc
LIVE: Celtics vs Lakers Postgame Show | Garden Report Powered by @FDSportsbook | @SeatGeek | @HelloFresh https://t.co/CIb4yhBNaP
Anthony Davis had this game on his schedule (not always the case), and the Celtics still beat the Lakers by double figures.
Jayson Tatum on Christmas 🎄: 25 points 8 rebounds 7 assists https://t.co/NMKhLPkEZF
Christmas Day dub for the @Celtics 🎄 Porziņģis: 28 PTS | 11 REB | 2 BLK Tatum: 25 PTS | 8 REB | 7 AST Brown: 19 PTS | 5 REB | 3 STL https://t.co/Yd1quzvTra
The @Celtics take home the #NBAXmas victory 🎁 Porziņģis: 28 PTS | 11 REB | 2 BLK Tatum: 25 PTS | 8 REB | 7 AST Brown: 19 PTS | 5 REB | 3 STL https://t.co/zHWUAXAtzb
Anthony Davis 40 PT 15-26 FG 8-10 FT 2-4 3P 13/5 RB 4 AS 1 BL 0 ST 2 TO 2 PF 38 MN (Final, Celtics)
Kristaps Porzingis 28 PT 11-19 FG 4-7 FT 2-8 3P 11/3 RB 2 AS 2 BL 1 ST 1 TO 3 PF 35 MN (Final, Lakers)
Celtics 126 Lakers 115 Final Celtics 126 PT 46-91 FG (.505) 21-28 FT (.750) 13-42 3P (.310) 44/11 RB 31 AS 7 BL 8 ST 8 TO 17 PF Lakers 115 PT 43-90 FG (.478) 16-21 FT (.762) 13-32 3P (.406) 43/13 RB 24 AS 1 BL 4 ST 12 TO 19 PF
Jayson Tatum & LeBron James share pleasantries https://t.co/BpwoI3pvEH
Kristaps Porzingis on Christmas: 28 points 11 rebounds 2 blocks https://t.co/QBxFG7mvAz
The Celtics win their Christmas showdown against the Lakers ☘️ Six different Boston players finished with double-digit scoring 🔥 https://t.co/4Qfv17t94X
Anthony Davis, despite the loss: 40 points 13 rebounds 4 assists 15/26 FGM Gave it his all. https://t.co/ME0UAhyqUw
THE CELTICS PICK UP A CHRISTMAS DAY WIN OVER THE LAKERS! ☘️🔥 https://t.co/QT32iWrGYD
#Celtics use an impressive second half attacking the rim and getting to the FT line to beat #Lakers 126-115. Porzingis 28, Tatum 25, Brown 18, White 18, Holiday 18, Pritchard 10; Davis 40, Prince 17, James 16, Hachimura 12, Reaves 11.
The Lakers dug themselves an 18-point deficit in the 1st Q and never fully recovered, losing 126-115 to Boston on Christmas. AD 40p on 15-of-26 shooting 13r 4a; Prince 17p on 5-of-10 from 3; LeBron 16p on 5-of-14 9r 8a; Rui 12p on 5-of-14 (2-of-9 from 3); Reaves 11p 6r 3a
Final: Celtics 126, Lakers 115 The Lakers drop to 16-15. They are just 2-6 since the In-Season Tournament. AD had a season-high 40 points, 13 rebounds and 1 block. LeBron had 16 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists. Taurean Prince had 17 points. Up next: vs. Charlotte on Thursday.
Celtics finally get a win on this trip in a wire-to-wire battle, beating the Lakers 126-115. Terrific game management by Jayson Tatum, some great shot making and rim protection from Kristaps Porziņģis, and the Stock Market was booming as White & Holiday were on fire.
LeBron’s injury https://t.co/fOvMXPHqst
The Celtics are so loaded. Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White were their best players today. Crazy to say that about a team that also has Tatum, Brown, and Holiday. But it’s not the first time this season that’s been true.
Porzingis rises up for his second PUTBACK SLAM of the night 🦄 📺 #NBAXmas on ABC & ESPN https://t.co/wt04OFApy0
Since the In-Season Tournament Final didn't officially count, this is the first 40-point game of the season for Anthony Davis (he had 41 in the IST Final). His last time scoring 40 was Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals vs. Denver.
VIDEO: Kristaps Porzingis putback slam (Replay) Celtics at Lakers 12/25/2023 https://t.co/2KoTd6STNZ
Really dominant Celtics game. Also, the Lakers could not get a single stop it felt like in the second half.
AD has 38 and 13 but Porzingis has been the major force in this game.
Anthony Davis is up to a season-high 38 points on 15-for-25 shooting.
AD for 3. He's up to 36 points today. #Lakeshow
#Celtics attacking the rim and scoring on cuts, have played a strong defensive half. Up 11 with 6:11 left. Tatum and Brown a combined 10 for 28 FG. Porzingis and White 40 pts on 16 for 26 FG.
VIDEO: When LeBron James & Jaylen Brown collided (Replay) https://t.co/bfhp1L1X18
Jaylen Brown gets on the glass and finishes through contact 😤 📺 #NBAXmas on ABC & ESPN https://t.co/kNgz1t0mWr
The Lakers took a 2-point lead early in the 3rd Q, but Boston put together a run that ultimately has them leading 99-90 with 12 minutes to play. Anthony Davis has a 33-point, 13-rebound double-double already in his 31 minutes.
Third quarter: Celtics 99, Lakers 90 Anthony Davis has 32 points and 13 rebounds. Taurean Prince has 17 points (five 3s). LeBron has 10 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists. Boston is killing LA in transition. LA's starters are -10 in eight minutes (-9 in 18 minutes overall).
Anthony Davis imposes his will on the block 💪 AD is up to 32 PTS! 📺Lakers-Celtics on ABC & ESPN! https://t.co/xLTP2r4Zkh
Austin Reaves' 3-pointer in transiton -- off a Taurean Prince steal and a great screen from AD near halfcourt -- have the Lakers back within four, 83-79, with 4:28 left in the third quarter. LA is hanging around. AD continues to carry them (27 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists).
Happy that a big audience is seeing just how incredible Anthony Davis has been. MVP caliber, DPOY front runner season
Kristaps Porzingis 22 PT 9-14 FG 2-5 FT 2-7 3P 7/1 RB 0 AS 2 BL 0 ST 1 TO 2 PF 22 MN (5:43 3rd*, Lakers)
Taurean Prince has already tied his season high with five 3-ponters. #Lakers #Celtics
Taurean Prince just knocked down his fifth three pointer of the game. He's now 5 of 7 from 3. #Lakeshow
PORZINGIS REJECTS LEBRON AT THE RIM. 😳 (🎥: @celtics) https://t.co/m5232xOBEr
Kristaps Porzingis blocks LeBron James https://t.co/zp0FodQkHE
The Lakers' starters are -13 in eight minutes today (-9 in the first half and -4 in the second). These negative minutes against one of the league's best lineups are swinging the game.
VIDEO: Kristaps Porzingis blocks LeBron James (Replay) https://t.co/gxc9b3CBBs
Jrue Holiday 14 PT 5-6 FG 1-1 FT 3-4 3P 5/2 RB 4 AS 0 BL 1 ST 1 TO 1 PF 21 MN (8:52 3rd*, Lakers)
The second half is underway. LeBron James gives the Lakers their first lead of the game, 59-58. #Lakeshow @sportingtrib
The second half is underway. LeBron James gives the Lakers their first lead of the game. #Lakeshow @sportingtrib
Celtics say Jaylen Brown will play in the second half with his lower back contusion.
Anthony Davis DOMINATED in the first half with 20 PTS and 7 REB 💪 📺 #NBAXmas on ABC & ESPN https://t.co/YmwW6I5rjZ
Brown is on the floor taking shots before the 3Q begins. #Celtics #Lakers
A close one at the half between the Celtics and Lakers 👀 📺 ABC/ESPN https://t.co/V7BoIKHLxi
Celtics 58 Lakers 57 Half Celtics 58 PT 22-47 FG (.468) 7-9 FT (.778) 7-24 3P (.292) 19/4 RB 12 AS 3 BL 5 ST 4 TO 10 PF Lakers 57 PT 23-47 FG (.489) 5-9 FT (.556) 6-14 3P (.429) 27/9 RB 13 AS 1 BL 1 ST 8 TO 7 PF
Halftime: Celtics 58, Lakers 57 LA has outscored Boston 45-28 since trailing 30-12 at the 3:57 mark of the first quarter. AD has 20 points and 7 rebounds. Taurean Prince has 11 points. LeBron has 8 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. LA has been fine outside of the starting group.
AD still leads all scorers with 20 points, 7 rebs, and 1 block. Taurean Prince added 11 points. He shot 3/5 from 3-point. #Lakeshow @SportingTrib https://t.co/ZYktHTZ6xr
The Lakers trail 58-57 at the half. AD is up to 20p 7r; Prince 11p. LeBron has 8p on 2-of-7 8r 4a. https://t.co/xlPOgncxJL
AD still leads all scorers with 20 points, 7 rebs, and 1 block. #Lakeshow @SportingTrib https://t.co/ZYktHTZ6xr
The Celtics are up 58-57 at halftime vs. the Lakers 🍀 Four Boston players are in double-digit scoring already 🔥 https://t.co/UBmao7rZ1j
Celtics barely hanging on to a 58-57 lead at HT as AD misses the open shot. LeBron started dominating the glass & flying in transition to get the Lakers going and they have the Celtics on their back foot now. AD has been elite in the post as well & they've worked around KP well.
Jaylen Brown is questionable to return to the game. https://t.co/oe8WDxlkcf
AD had a chance for the Lakers to take the lead to close out the first half, but he missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer. HALFTIME: #Lakers 57, #Celtics 58
Lakers-Celtics went from Memorial Day Massacre vibes to NBA Finals fun. Celtics with a 58-57 half-time lead over the Lakers.
Anthony Davis was terrific in the 1st half vs. Boston, scoring 20 points on 9 of 14 FG's, including a bucket with 19 seconds left to get LAL within a point at 58-57. Boston had led by 18 in the 1st Q after a torrid start.
Anthony Davis has been amazing today: 20 points (9-14 FGs), seven rebounds (three offensive), two assists and a block in 19 minutes. He's almost single-handedly kept LA in this game.
LeBron’s chase down block on Jayson Tatum 🤯 https://t.co/QB41NXX6pE
Jaylen Brown QUESTIONABLE TO RETURN with a lower back contusion.
Reaves thought he got fouled by White on a drive at the 1:34 mark (no call); LeBron blocked the ensuing transition attempt from Tatum, but it was ruled a reach-in foul on Taurean Prince during an LAL challenge, and Tatum got FT's anyway.
Jaylen Brown is questionable to return with a lower back contusion. #Celtics #Lakers
Ham uses another challenge and it’s successful again, with LeBron James being absolved of a foul on Jayson Tatum. But upon review, Taurean Prince fouled Tatum so TP gets the foul instead of LeBron and Tatum still gets the free throws. https://t.co/TII9sdlhKb
The Celtics say Jaylen Brown (lower back) is questionable to return after colliding with LeBron James.
TATUM BLOCKED BY JAMES 😱 https://t.co/6cLrE6QTnV
Lakers challenge was successful....kind of. LeBron not called for a foul. Instead, Prince gets one. Tatum still goes to the FT line. Scott Foster definitely trolled the fans in dramatic effect when sharing his decision
VIDEO: LeBron James blocks Jayson Tatum (Tatum fouled by Taurean Prince; however!) https://t.co/PqKVyPNrJi
After review, the challenge was successful. The call was changed to Taurean Prince. Tatum will still shoot free throws. #Lakeshow https://t.co/MyUdQGj9Ld
LeBron James' block is ruled clean but there was a foul on Taurean Prince on the way up.
Challenge successful, no foul on James but a foul on Prince. #Celtics #Lakers
LeBron James just blocked Jayson Tatum and was called for a foul. Darvin Ham is challenging the call. @SportingTrib #Lakeshow https://t.co/7uJdzzkIka
Craziest thing about that block is that Tatum knew LeBron was there and LeBron still blocked it.
LeBron James passionately calling for a challenge after officials called him for a foul on Tatum’s chase down block.
Hey NBA, Celtics-Lakers on Christmas from now on please.
Yeah, Tatum just got chased down by LeBron. Ain't no foul there. #Celtics #Lakers
Taurean Prince ties the game up at 52 a piece off of an assist from LeBron James. #Lakeshow
Boston’s Jaylen Brown went to the locker room after getting tangled up with LeBron James. Brown appeared to injure his back on the play. https://t.co/u2vakmBQTo
LeBron James subbed back into the game. Jaylen Brown is still out.
The Lakers trailed by as many as 18 early on! We have a good one brewing in L.A. 👀 (🎥: @NBA) https://t.co/bLmEpI6fpT
It appeared that Brown got tripped up and LeBron, who was trailing as a defender at full speed, accidentally hit his knee into Brown. https://t.co/jZUJcpKapC
Brown is headed to the locker room. James is on the #Lakers bench. #Celtics
Brown rises to his feet and looks to be OK. James is flexing his left knee and his rises to his feet. #Celtics #Lakers
Both Jaylen Brown and LeBron James down. https://t.co/IOjMUq3iwH
JB makes it look easy on #NBAXmas ☘️ 📺 Lakers-Celtics on ABC & ESPN! https://t.co/RpdynDNci7
LeBron James and Jaylen Brown both down. LeBron is grabbing his left knee. Lakers players make a circle around James.
LeBron James down https://t.co/uU76aWHJuy
LeBron James is down on the court writhing in pain. #Lakeshow
LeBron James and Jaylen Brown collided and both are down writhing in pain. #Celtics #Lakers
Anthony Davis sinks the triple to cap off the Lakers' 10-2 run! 📺 #NBAXmas on ABC & ESPN https://t.co/D6UG0vL61N
Anthony Davis drills a 3 to make this a three-point game, 47-44, with 5:09 left in the first half. LA has outscored Boston 21-15 in the second quarter. The Lakers are finding the most success with LeBron, AD, two of Austin/Rui/DLo and one of Taurean/Cam/Vando.
Anthony Davis drilled a 3 to get LAL within 3 at 47-44, after they'd trailed by as many as 18 in the 1st Q. Davis is 8 for 12 towards 18 points with 5 rebounds, scoring on Boston inside and out. Davis, after taking only 4 threes in November, has hit 7 in the last 7 games.
AD knocks down a 3-pointer! We have a ball game. #Lakers 44, #Celtics 47
The Lakers trailed by as much as 18 in the first quarter. They have cut into that lead considerably here in the second quarter, #Celtics 47 - #Lakers 41. #Lakeshow
The Lakers trailed by as much as 18 in the first quarter. They have cut into that lead and considerably, #Celtics 47 - #Lakers 41
10 straight points for Payton Pritchard on #NBAXmas! 📺 Lakers-Celtics on ABC & ESPN! https://t.co/pjVxuZ0qDD
The Lakers trailed by as many as 18, but were able to cut it to single digits heading into the 2nd Q, down 32-23. AD leads LAL with 13 points on 6-of-9 shooting and 5 rebounds. The Celtics starters are shooting 13-for-22 (59%)
Celtics hold a 32-23 first-quarter lead over the Lakers. Lakers got themselves back into as Boston went scoreless and missed seven consecutive shots for final 3:11
First quarter: Celtics 32, Lakers 23 After trailing by as many as 18 points, LA closed the quarter on an 11-2 run to trim the deficit to single digits. AD has 13 points and 5 rebounds. LA has stayed afloat with 6 offensive rebounds. BOS is getting to the rim way too easily.