David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Celtics Faceplant at Home vs. Starless Lakers
On a night when Jaylen Brown earned his third All-Star Game selection and the NBA planned on showcasing its marquee rivalry, LeBron James and Anthony took the matchup in from the visiting bench.
In a surprising plot twist, those two being in street clothes impacted the Boston Celtics more than the purple and gold.
The hosts had 12 turnovers in the first half, leading to 11 points for the Los Angeles Lakers, who drilled 13/25 (52 percent) of their attempts from beyond the arc in the first two frames, helping them take a 60-46 advantage into intermission.
As Austin Reaves, whose 19 points at the break paced all participants, swished one three after another, Boston's lack of focus and energy prompted a chorus of boos from the TD Garden faithful.
There were also plenty of cheers from a loud contingency of Lakers fans in attendance.
One of the lone bright spots for the Celtics was the play of Neemias Queta, who came off the bench to extend back-to-back possessions, tipping in a second-chance opportunity, then grabbing a Sam Hauser missed three and kicking the ball out to Payton Pritchard for a triple that delighted the home crowd.
Shortly after that, the 24-year-old from Portugal got rewarded for running the floor as Al Horford found him for a transition flush.
In the second half, Queta's teammates joined him in giving C's fans something to cheer about, coming out of halftime with a renewed commitment.
Playing with more energy and tempo helped them find their rhythm from beyond the arc, burying 6/13 (46.2 percent) of their third-quarter threes.
Jayson Tatum, who played the entire period, produced ten points and gave his team and the crowd a jolt when he took to the floor, then grappled for the ball with Rui Hachimura, ripping it away after the whistle. He then rose from the parquet with the rock, sparking an eruption from the TD Garden faithful as he walked with purpose toward the fans sitting directly across from Boston's bench.
While Reaves put nine points on the board to protect Los Angeles' double-digit lead, a refocused Celtics squad entered the final frame within ten, trailing 88-78 with 12 minutes left.
But in the fourth quarter, the hosts could not gain ground. The winning plays, like Hachimura grabbing a Reaves missed free throw to bleed more time off the clock, and timely shots, like a D'Angelo Russell three from 28 feet, putting the visitors ahead 110-98 with 3:22 remaining, went the way of the Lakers.
Conversely, the Celtics shot 2/8 (25 percent) from beyond the arc before emptying their bench en route to their worst loss this season, falling 114-105 to their arch-rivals on their home floor despite James and Davis not participating.
Up next, Boston hosts the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday. Unfortunately, Marcus Smart will not play in his return to TD Garden due to a severe right-ring finger injury. He will be in attendance for the matchup, which will tip off at 6:00 EST.
Further Reading
Celtics Maturation Molded by Experience: 'It Builds, Like, an Armor'
Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Top Heat in One of Their Best Performances This Season
Celtics Finding Joy in Basketball and Each Other's Company: 'We've Been Blessed'
Fixated on Winning, Jayson Tatum Again Proves He's Not 'Bored Making the Right Play Over and Over'
Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'
