STREAK STOPPER: Tatum, Celtics put Lakers in check

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Jayson Tatum scored 40 points as the Boston Celtics halted the Los Angeles Lakers’ eight-game unbeaten streak with a statement 111-101 victory in their heavyweight National Basketball Association (NBA) showdown at TD Garden on Saturday.

The latest installment of the most iconic rivalry in basketball was billed as a potential NBA finals preview, pitting the defending champion Celtics against a resurgent Lakers line-up led by LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

But after a closely-fought first half where both sides went toe-to-toe before Boston edged into a four-point lead at the break, the game pivoted when the Celtics locked down the Lakers offense in a lopsided third quarter.

A disappointing loss for the Lakers was compounded by an injury to James, who left the game in the fourth quarter and did not return with what was described as a groin problem.

Tatum, who finished with 40 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists, said the return of Jrue Holiday had been pivotal for the Celtics.

“We missed Jrue,” Tatum told ESPN. “It was his first game back in a while, and we’re a totally different team when Jrue’s out there.”

“There’s so many things he does at both ends that may not always show up on the stat sheet. But much better when he’s out there.”

Tatum’s fourth 40-point game of the season was backed by 31 points from Jaylen Brown, while veteran Al Horford finished with 14 points and Derrick White 10.

The Lakers challenge, meanwhile, was led by Doncic, the Slovenian star who finished with 34 points including five three-pointers. James added 22 points before his departure in the fourth quarter.