BOSTON — Just like in the 2024 NBA Finals, Jaylen Brown guarded Luka Doncic on multiple possessions. That’s the Celtics star’s assignment normally, guarding the opposition’s best player. And, just like in the 2024 NBA Finals, Brown gave Doncic fits as he used his physicality to pester the Lakers star.
Doncic ended with 34 points, eight rebounds and three assists as he got going in the second half, but it wasn’t a perfect night for the Lakers star. He also added five turnovers as Brown was a major factor throughout the night, even if Doncic filled the box score. So, after the C’s beat the Lakers on Saturday, Brown praised Doncic.
“Luka is one of the greats,” Brown said. “He is one of those generational talents. So I have fun watching Luka play offensively, like what he’s capable of doing, scoring the ball like his talent is, offensively, his talent is next to none. So, he’s one of my favorite players on that side of the ball, so I spend a lot of time watching his game and things like that. So tonight I was able to make some plays, but Luka’s a great player.”
Brown’s impact, of course, isn’t just on the defensive end. The C’s star had a stellar night himself, putting up 31 points and six rebounds as his two-way play was a key piece of the Boston victory. It’s why he was named 2024 NBA Finals MVP last season as his defense was part of the equation in the Celtics' five-game series win over the Mavericks.
The Celtics got the better of the Lakers throughout the night in what felt like a playoff game between two talented teams. The Lakers brought in an eight-game win streak as they transformed their team following the Doncic trade. The C’s are reigning champions, plus they suffered their worst loss of the season in a 21-point blowout to the Lakers back in January.
The quality of play was high throughout the first half. The shot-making was on full display as both teams weren’t yielding an inch. The C’s broke through in the third quarter as they built a 22-point lead. While the Lakers got it down to a six-point game in the fourth quarter, the Celtics executed their way to the win. Brown and Jayson Tatum — who put up 40 points, 12 rebounds and eight rebounds — had their fingerprints all over the victory to get some revenge.
“I usually take the matchup with the best player on every team every night,” Brown said. “That’s just what my team needs me to do. Obviously, we got a lot of talented guys on both ends, but I think my team looks for me to be able to set the tone defensively and take on those big matchups, night in and night out.”
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