"All of the current Lakers realized that playing against the Boston Celtics on national television really was more than just one of the 82 games on the NBA schedule. It was crystallized even more because iconic former Lakers coach Pat Riley sat courtside after a celebration for the unveiling of his statue outside on the Star Plaza at Crypto.com Arena. He was the first Lakers coach to beat the hated Celtics for an NBA championship after eight failed attempts."
"Luka Doncic had 25 points for the Lakers, but he was just nine-for-22 from the field. LeBron James had 20 points, but he was just nine-for-21 from the field. It was obvious the Lakers felt the intensity of the rivalry when the fans saw Austin Reaves and Marcus Smart get issued technical fouls in the second quarter and coach JJ Redick get hit with one in the third."
The Lakers lost 111-89 to the Boston Celtics on national television, with Luka Doncic scoring 25 points (9-for-22) and LeBron James 20 points (9-for-21). Pat Riley sat courtside after a statue unveiling, underscoring the rivalry's history; Riley was the first Lakers coach to beat the Celtics for a championship after eight failed attempts. Tensions flared with technical fouls issued to Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart and coach JJ Redick. The Celtics entered the game averaging 42.4 three-point attempts and made 14-for-36 on Sunday. Jaylen Brown scored 32 with eight rebounds and seven assists; Payton Pritchard added 30 off the bench on efficient shooting.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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