rarely a Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers disappoints. Only injuries or a big difference in the level of the teams can prevent this historic confrontation from becoming one of the best of the night and of the season. In the second face-to-face between the two most successful franchises, the duel was resolved again in extra time as it happened in December and the result was the same, green victory by 125 to 121.
The Classic The NBA game was sensational and above expectations, all thanks to Boston’s dedication to avoiding a loss that at times seemed possible. LeBron James he was inspired, Pat Beverley emerged from nowhere and the casualties of Marcus Smart and Robert Williams made themselves felt.
In fact, there were times when victory came very close to being dyed gold and purple. Specifically with 14 seconds to go, when Beverley He did this:
PAT BEVERLEY
YOU WILL NOT BELIEVE ITpic.twitter.com/JZ5twCiRY7
— ???????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????? España ???????? (@sportingnewses) January 29, 2023
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Then two key actions that defined the rest of the match. First a pat of Brown and second, a somewhat questionable defense of LeBron that sent the game to extra time.
Foul on LeBron in the final seconds of Lakers-Celtics matchup or nah? ???? pic.twitter.com/NGXYTM4S1V
— ???????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????? (@sportingnews) January 29, 2023
From then on, the Celtics realized the importance of the moment. If they wanted to win, it was essential to raise the level, not only from a defensive point of view, but also physically, forcing their opponents to overcome an impenetrable wall to score. While in defense they forced the Lakers to make mistakes and fail, in attack appeared who always does in difficult moments: Jaylen Brown.
With 11 points in extra time, the Celtics forward was the light that guided his team to victory, preventing LeBron James from celebrating on his last visit to the Garden this season. Thus, the Boston forward certified the victory as his top scorer thanks to 37 points in 13 of 23 attempts (56.5%), 9 rebounds and 3 assists, accompanied by a Jayson Tatum who went from more to less, finishing with 30 points and a poor 32% success rate. However, the importance of Tatum was more in defense than in attack, Just like Horford.
By the Lakers LeBron he was left on the verge of an epic victory. The legend did it all and he was upset by the end result, as he brushed his fingertips close to victory in the Garden. Once again fortune deprived James of capping off a sensational performance with the prize winning, treasuring 41 points on 15 of 30 attempts, 9 rebounds and 8 assists.
This was a tough, old-school game, where there were flagrant fouls at the end, where attacking the paint meant going deep into the jungle, and where small details mattered. But also one to remember with moments like this in which Beverley grabbed a camera to express his disagreement with an arbitration decision:
Pat Bev wanted the official to see the evidence that LeBron was fouled and got a technical ????pic.twitter.com/iQZRUbLap0
— ???????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????? (@sportingnews) January 29, 2023
In any case, the game in general terms overcame its outcome, making it clear that the Regular Phase is still worthwhile for moments like these. Boston snaps its three-game losing streak and reunites with victory to continue leading the East while Los Angeles falls to 23-27 in 13th place in the West.
The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
