The Boston Celtics defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 88-74 in an NBA Summer League game held at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas on Monday, July 15, 2024. The Celtics’ victory was spearheaded by center Neemias Queta, who delivered an impressive performance with 22 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks.
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The game started competitively, with Boston holding a narrow 19-17 lead after the first quarter. However, the Celtics pulled away in the second quarter, outscoring the Lakers 31-17 to take a commanding 50-34 halftime lead. The Lakers could not mount a significant comeback in the second half, as the Celtics maintained their double-digit advantage throughout the game.
For the Lakers, rookie Dalton Knecht led the scoring with 19 points while also contributing three rebounds, two assists, and three steals. Knecht was selected 17th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, and he showcased his scoring ability and potential as a key player for the Lakers. Bronny James, son of NBA superstar LeBron James, struggled in his 25 minutes of play, scoring just 2 points on 1-of-5 shooting, three rebounds and one assist. Despite his tough night, Bronny’s presence on the court continues to draw significant attention as he embarks on his professional career.
The Celtics’ victory was a team effort, with Jordan Walsh and J.D. Davison each adding 9 points. Davison also dished out seven assists, while Walsh contributed six rebounds and three steals. Jahmi’us Ramsey and Drew Peterson also provided valuable support off the bench, scoring 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Boston’s defensive intensity was a key factor in their win, as they managed to stifle the Lakers’ offense for much of the game. The Celtics’ ability to control the boards and protect the rim, led by Queta’s presence, was instrumental in their success. Coach D.J. MacLeay praised the team’s collective defensive effort, highlighting their improvement from previous games.
On the Lakers’ side, Maxwell Lewis scored 13 points with three rebounds and two assists, most of which came in the first half. Moses Brown also contributed off the bench with 11 points and six rebounds. Despite a spirited fourth-quarter rally, the Lakers could not find enough defense to stop the Celtics and ultimately fell short in their comeback attempt.
The Celtics will face the Charlotte Hornets in their next Summer League game, while the Lakers will seek to bounce back against the Atlanta Hawks. Both teams will continue to evaluate their young talent and make adjustments as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season.
Summer League Rivalry
The matchup between the Lakers and Celtics, even at the Summer League level, carries the weight of one of the most storied rivalries in professional sports. The two franchises have faced each other a record 12 times in the NBA Finals, with their first meeting dating back to 1959. The rivalry peaked in the 1980s, featuring legendary players like Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson.
While Summer League games don’t have the same stakes as regular-season or playoff matchups, they still showcase the competitive spirit between these historic franchises. The Celtics lead the all-time series with a 209-165 record, including regular-season and playoff games.
As both teams continue to develop their young talent in the Summer League, fans can expect the rivalry to remain intense at all levels of competition. The next regular season matchup between these two teams is eagerly anticipated as they continue to write new chapters in their storied history.