Blinksportsnews247Defense initiates offense, according to an old proverb. At crucial junctures in their Christmas Day game against the Lakers in Los Angeles, that’s just what happened for the Boston Celtics.
Few players in the game can match LeBron James’ size and strength in the post as a defender. Among them is Holiday. Halfway in the fourth quarter, Holiday pressed James into a crucial error that set up the C’s game-winning run.
James tried to post up on Holiday with five minutes left in the game, but Holiday held his footing and Boston had a 10-point lead. James was unable to create anything on his own and ultimately tried to pass the ball in the paint to Rui Hachimura via Kristaps Porzingis and Holiday. James’ pass, though, was essentially a handoff to Porzingis.
Holiday received the ball from Porzingis right away. Holiday then threw it to Derrick White, who found Jayson Tatum, who was on the move, for an uncontested alley-oop in transition. With 2:40 remaining, the C’s were up 122-107 thanks to a 9-4 run sparked by that bucket, which effectively sealed the victory for the team.
In addition to forcing James into another turnover during the run, the Celtics held LA to just two made points. In the meantime, Boston didn’t commit a turnover and went 4-for-5 from the field in addition to adding a free throw to seize complete control of the game.
It seemed dubious whether Kristaps Porzingis would suit up against the Lakers on Christmas Day. He ended up playing, but he also ended up becoming the dominant player.
Outstanding performance
Porzingis got off to an excellent start and went on to play a game-high 35 minutes, scoring 28 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. He recorded his fourth double-double of the season with this performance.
Only Anthony Davis of the Lakers (40 points, 13 rebounds) could match Porzingis’ scoring and rebounding totals, meaning that the big man from Boston led the team in all areas. Throughout the game, he also grabbed a steal, blocked two shots, and distributed two assists.
When he was on the court, the Celtics dominated. In his 35 minutes of play, they outscored Los Angeles by 16 points, tying Derrick White for the highest plus/minus rating in the contest.
Box Score : Six Celtics scored in double figures, with all five starters scoring at least eighteen.
Kristaps Porzingis led Boston with 28 points and 11 rebounds.
Anthony Davis led LA with 40 points and 13 rebounds.
Derrick White and Porzingis blocked two shots apiece.
White finished with 18 points and seven assists.
Jayson Tatum scored 25 points and tied White for the team lead in assists with seven.
Payton Pritchard led all Celtics reserves with 10 points.
LeBron James finished with 16 points, nine rebounds, and a game-high eight assists.
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