The Boston Celtics had been too sturdy for the LA Lakers on March 8, on an evening each groups had been lacking stars.
LeBron James exited the Lakers loss on the Boston Celtics with an damage. This was a blow for a group already lacking Rui Hachimura and Jaxson Hayes, two gamers often of their beginning rotation.
The Celtics weren’t at full energy both, nevertheless. The group’s X-factor is Kristaps Porzingis, who sat out the sport.
And it is a scary prospect for different groups within the NBA.
Los Angeles Lakers legend James Worthy spoke following Boston’s 111-101 win, and famous that the Celtics didn’t have Kristaps Porzingis.
Worthy identified the superb efficiency from veteran Al Horford, nonetheless a prime contributor at 39. He famous that whereas Horford is taking part in like this, Porzingis can afford to sit down out, and make the distinction within the playoffs.
He informed the Lakers’ post-game present on Spectrum: “They’re saving Porzingis. They’re resting him correctly. There’s no want. They’ll win with out him, with Al Horford taking part in the way in which he’s.
“So I feel they’re form of taking part in actually sensible, to get to the playoffs. They’re actually robust and robust.
“Porzingis is a nightmare within the playoffs. He creates such a mismatch. For those who suppose Horford created a mismatch, Porzingis is….”
Kristiaps Porzingis was a distinction maker within the NBA Finals, making his former group the Dallas Mavericks pay.
Porzingis has performed and began 32 video games for the Celtics this season, however has not featured since late February.
Al Horford went 14-9-4, ending the evening because the Celtics third highest scorer behind Jayson Tatum (40) and Jaylen Brown (31).
The win moved the Celtics as much as 46-18. They face the Jazz subsequent, earlier than an thrilling wanting match-up in opposition to the Thunder.