Lakers collapse in comeback loss to Celtics.
LOS ANGELES — The Lakers' 4th quarter comeback is cut short with another hard-to-watch overtime loss, falling to the Celtics 122–118 in overtime despite a combined 90 points from their big three, dropping their season record to 11–16.
The Lakers climbed back from a 16-point deficit with a complete momentum turnaround (27–4 run) in the 3rd and 4th quarters, changing the complexity of the game before collapsing in the final minute and showing how gassed they were in overtime.
“It sucks, man. I’m so disappointed that we didn’t close that out. But we’ll get better from it,” said Darvin Ham on their loss to Boston.
Seeing another game determined by missed free throws in the final possessions, just like in Philadelphia two games ago, the Lakers had an opportunity to increase their chances of winning after Anthony Davis headed to the foul line with under 30 seconds left.
Davis ended up missing both free throws, which led to Celtics Jayson Tatum knocking down a baseline jumper over LeBron to tie the game and head into overtime after a missed step-back prayer from LeBron.
According to @StatsWilliams, it was the second time the Lakers blew a double-digit lead with 5 minutes to go in the fourth quarter this season. The rest of the NBA has done that twice this season combined.
On a night the Lakers limited their turnovers (11 turnovers), the main focus point landed in the area that has hurt them all season, perimeter shooting.
After the game, Anthony Davis said it was hard for him to think about anything other than the missed free throws in the final minute:
“I know there’s more to it, but for me, you go back to the free throws (at Philly and vs. Boston), it’s on me,” said Davis.
Seeing a whopping 46 minutes of action tonight, Davis finished with a team-high 37 points on 54% (13-for-2) shooting from the floor, adding 12 rebounds and 3 assists.
Similar to what happened in the games against Philadelphia and Boston, the Lakers' frustration grows when they close out games, missing crucial free throws in the final possessions.
“Nothing. That we lost. You’re talking to the wrong guy talking about ‘almost win.’ No. We lost,” LeBron said of the Lakers' close losses to the 76ers and Celtics.
LeBron was one rebound and one assist shy of a triple-double, finishing with 33 points on 56% (14-for-25) shooting and a shaky 3-for-11 (27%) from three, notching 9 assists and 9 rebounds in 42 minutes.
The Lakers will remain home for a matchup this Friday against the 16–10 Denver Nuggets on Spectrum SportsNet and ESPN.
