Jaylen Brown, Payton Pritchard lead Celtics past Lakers 111-89 for a season sweep of this rivalry - AP News
AP News
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Boston Celtics secured a dominant 111-89 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, completing a season sweep of this storied rivalry. Jaylen Brown and Payton Pritchard led the charge for the Celtics, showcasing their team's offensive prowess and defensive resilience. This win not only solidified Boston's position as serious contenders in the NBA playoffs but also marked another chapter in their long-standing rivalry with the Lakers.
The game was a testament to the Celtics' ability to control the pace of play and exploit the Lakers' weaknesses. Jaylen Brown scored 24 points, while Payton Pritchard added 18 points and 7 assists, demonstrating his growing impact on the team's offense. The Celtics' defense also stepped up, holding the Lakers to just 36% shooting from the field and limiting their star players, including LeBron James and Anthony Davis, to subpar performances.
The significance of this victory lies in its broader implications for both teams' playoff chances. For the Celtics, it highlights their growing confidence and ability to perform on a big stage against one of the league's elite teams. The Lakers, despite their struggles, remain a formidable force, but this loss serves as a reminder that they need to tighten their game if they hope to challenge for the title. Fans of both teams can expect this rivalry to continue heating up as the season progresses, making every matchup between these two franchises an eagerly anticipated event.
Verticals
newsgeneral
Originally published on AP News on 2/23/2026