The Boston Celtics delivered a commanding performance against their historic rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers, securing a decisive 126-105 victory at TD Garden on December 6, 2025 (Philippine Time). The win marked the Celtics' ninth triumph in their last eleven outings, solidifying their strong early-season form.
Brown's Brilliance and Celtics' Offensive Firepower
Jaylen Brown was the undisputed catalyst for Boston's success, putting on a spectacular show. He finished the game with a team-high 30 points, complemented by 6 rebounds and 6 assists. His athleticism was on full display, including a memorable flying play that drew comparisons to basketball legend Michael Jordan.
Brown did not carry the load alone. The Celtics' offense was a well-oiled machine with significant contributions across the roster. Derrick White added 19 points, while Jordan Walsh continued his hot streak with 17 points. Walsh has been remarkably efficient, making 18 of his last 19 shot attempts over the team's previous three games. Payton Pritchard chipped in 15 points, and the bench provided a major boost with Sam Hauser scoring 12 and Neemias Queta adding 10 points.
Lakers Struggle With Depleted Roster
The Lakers faced an uphill battle from the start, competing without three of their cornerstone players. The team was notably missing Luka Doncic (personal reasons), LeBron James (right sciatica and left foot joint arthritis), and Marcus Smart (muscle strain). Doncic's absence was particularly felt, as he is the league's current leading scorer, averaging 35.3 points per game.
In their absence, Austin Reaves shouldered the offensive burden for Los Angeles, erupting for a game-high 36 points while facing tight defense from the Celtics. Gabe Vincent provided support with 18 points. Deandre Ayton controlled the glass, pulling down a game-high 10 rebounds to go with his 6 points, but it wasn't enough to counter Boston's depth and execution.
Implications and Looking Ahead
This lopsided victory reinforces the Celtics' status as a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference, showcasing their depth and ability to capitalize when opponents are short-handed. For the Lakers, the loss highlights their vulnerability when their star players are unavailable, raising questions about roster durability as the long season progresses. The result adds another chapter to the storied Celtics-Lakers rivalry, with Boston claiming early bragging rights in this season's matchup.
