Lakers, Celtics Shine in NBA Night of Upsets

ORLANDO, Fla. — The Los Angeles Lakers secured a pivotal road win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night, defeating them 134-127 in an emotional game marking the debut of interim coach Tuomas Iisalo. The Lakers’ Austin Reaves posted a stellar performance with 31 points, alongside contributions from Luka Doncic and LeBron James, who added 29 and 25 points, respectively.

In their fourth game of the road trip, the Lakers jumped out to an early lead but faced a challenging fourth quarter where they trailed 111-107. However, they rallied back to take control late in the game, showcasing their resilience. ‘We knew this was a big game for us,’ Reaves commented post-game. ‘It’s hard, the last game of a road trip, but for that three hours, you’ve got to lock in.’

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics continued their impressive run, extending their winning streak to eight games with a 121-111 victory against the San Antonio Spurs. Jayson Tatum led the Celtics with 29 points, while Jrue Holiday contributed 21 points. The Celtics dominated from the beginning and maintained control throughout the game despite the Spurs’ efforts to rally.

In other matchups, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Indiana Pacers 132-111, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading all scorers with 33 points. This marked the Thunder’s ninth consecutive victory, positioning them well for a potential record-breaking season.

The Dallas Mavericks narrowly edged the Chicago Bulls 120-119 in a contest that showcased their depth, with seven players scoring in double figures. Klay Thompson’s two free throws in the final seconds secured the win for Dallas, solidifying their playoff positioning as they continue to integrate Anthony Davis back into the lineup.

Meanwhile, the Miami Heat cruised to a 118-95 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, thanks to Tyler Herro‘s 30-point performance that held off the Sixers, who are now struggling with their seventh consecutive loss.

The Brooklyn Nets snapped a six-game losing streak, defeating the Washington Wizards 115-112, with Tyrese Martin and Jalen Wilson each scoring 20 points. This victory provided a much-needed boost as the season winds down.

In Orlando, the Magic dominated the Sacramento Kings 121-91, with Paolo Banchero leading the way with 24 points. The Magic’s defense was a key factor, as they limited the Kings to just 42 percent shooting.

As the final stretch of the NBA season approaches, these games highlight the urgency for teams fighting for playoff spots. Teams like the Mavericks, Lakers, and Celtics are all looking to maintain their momentum, adapting to the pressures of playoff competition.