Dec 27, 2023 | Los Angeles, Sports, Valleys

Davis and Lakers come up short on Christmas 126-115 vs Celtics

The 2023 Christmas Day matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics lived up to its billing, delivering a thrilling 126-115 Celtics victory in front of a packed Crypto.com Arena crowd.

Celtics Surge Early: Boston, buoyed by a raucous contingent of green-clad fans, jumped out to a commanding lead early. Jayson Tatum and Kristaps Porzingis were on fire, combining for 40 points in the first half as the Celtics built a 17-point advantage. The Lakers struggled to find their rhythm offensively, with LeBron James limited by early foul trouble and Anthony Davis facing double-teams all night.

Lakers Fight Back: However, the Lakers showed their championship pedigree in the second half, chipping away at the Celtics’ lead with a determined effort. Davis came alive in the third quarter, scoring 17 points and leading the Lakers’ comeback charge. With James finding his groove and hitting clutch shots, the Lakers cut the deficit to single digits heading into the final frame.

Nail-Biting Finish: The fourth quarter was a tense back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging the lead multiple times. With 20 seconds remaining and the score tied at 115, Tatum stepped up for the Celtics, draining a fadeaway jumper over James to give Boston the lead for good. The Lakers had one last chance to tie the game, but James’ desperation three-pointer fell short, sealing the Celtics’ victory.

Key Players: Tatum finished with a game-high 28 points, while Porzingis added 25 points and 11 rebounds for the Celtics. For the Lakers, Davis had 40 points and 12 rebounds, while James chipped in 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists.

Impact: The win extends the Celtics’ winning streak to six games and strengthens their hold on the top spot in the Eastern Conference. For the Lakers, the loss was a tough blow, dropping them to 16-15 and raising questions about their championship aspirations.

Memorable Moments: Beyond the on-court drama, the game also featured several memorable moments. The pre-game introductions featured a touching tribute to the late Bill Russell, with his family receiving a warm ovation from the crowd. Additionally, halftime saw a special performance by Snoop Dogg, keeping the festive spirit alive at Crypto.com Arena.

Overall, the 2023 Christmas Day clash between the Lakers and Celtics was a classic battle between two historic franchises. The Celtics’ early dominance and Tatum’s late-game heroics secured their victory, while the Lakers’ fighting spirit showed they are still a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.