Shorthanded Lakers Stun Celtics in Impressive Road Victory

In a surprising turn of events, the Los Angeles Lakers delivered their most impressive victory of the 2023-24 NBA season, overpowering the Boston Celtics on the road, even in the absence of superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers, continuing a six-game road trip, secured a dominant 114-105 win against the Celtics, who held a remarkable 22-2 record at TD Garden before this matchup.

Despite missing key players, the Lakers took control early, leading 28-25 after the first quarter and extending their advantage to 60-46 at halftime. The standout performer of the night was Austin Reaves, who showcased his scoring prowess with an outstanding 32 points on 10-of-18 shooting, including 7-of-10 from beyond the arc.

Lakers coach Darvin Ham praised Reaves for his exceptional performance and highlighted the guard’s scrappy and determined style of play. Ham expressed his gratitude to Reaves for his contributions to the team and commended his relentless effort on the court.

Reaves’ impact was not only felt in his scoring but also in his leadership on the floor. Ham shared that Reaves had emphasized the team’s potential even in challenging situations and praised his “next-play mentality,” showcasing resilience and focus.

“AR and I had a one-on-one conversation briefly when we got into town, and I just thanked him and showed my appreciation verbally for him and what he’s meant to our program,” Ham said of Reaves to reporters.

“Just his scrappiness, his willingness to lay it on the line. He’s been nothing short of amazing since he’s been in a Laker uniform and specifically since I’ve been here as the head coach. He’s laid it on the line every single time.”

The Lakers demonstrated collective strength in the absence of their star duo, with D’Angelo Russell stepping up as an excellent playmaker, recording 16 points, 14 assists, and eight rebounds. Jaxson Hayes contributed significantly as the primary big man, finishing with a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds.

The team’s three-point shooting was a key factor, with the Lakers connecting on 19-of-36 attempts from beyond the arc. The defensive effort was also noteworthy, as the Lakers recorded 11 steals while maintaining control with only seven turnovers.

This victory not only showcased the depth of the Lakers’ roster but also underscored their ability to perform at a high level even in challenging circumstances. The win against the Celtics served as a statement for the Lakers, who aim to find consistency and build momentum as they navigate the remainder of the season.