Celtics vs Lakers: Payton Pritchard Powers Boston to Road Win in L.A.
On February 22, 2026, the Celtics vs Lakers rivalry flipped hard into Boston’s favor. Payton Pritchard erupted for 30 points and six 3‑pointers in a 111‑89 road win over Los Angeles at Crypto.com Arena, outshining stars and silencing the home crowd. This wasn’t just a win; it was a statement night in the NBA.
How Did the Celtics Control the Rivalry Game?
Boston didn’t just beat the Lakers on February 22, 2026; they dominated. The Celtics raced out early and never let up, winning 111–89 at Crypto.com Arena. Jaylen Brown delivered 32 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists, and Payton Pritchard exploded for 30 points with six 3‑pointers and eight assists. Boston finished strong and took over midway through the second quarter. The Lakers struggled to find answers once momentum shifted.
Key performance factors:
- The Celtics shot 48.2% for the game with balanced scoring.
- Lakers held to 39.1% shooting, their second‑lowest output this season.
- Boston outscored L.A. in the 3rd quarter and sealed it with a late run.
What Were the Turning Points?
The game started tight, but Boston seized control in the 2nd quarter:
- The Celtics opened the half strong, turning a tie into a 60‑50 lead at halftime.
- Pritchard’s step‑back 3 with 3:24 left gave Boston a commanding edge and forced L.A. to empty their bench.
- The Lakers repeatedly lost composure and picked up technical fouls.
How Did the Lakers Respond?
L.A. had effort from stars but not enough help:
- Luka Dončić scored 25 points, and LeBron James added 20 while reaching a 43,000 career point milestone.
- Austin Reaves put up 15 points.
- Despite those efforts, the Lakers couldn’t slow the Celtics or stop Boston’s ball movement.
What Does This Mean for Celtics vs Lakers?
Boston now owns the season sweep in this rivalry, improving on a 2‑0 mark against L.A. and winning 6 of 8 meetings since the 2022‑23 season. The win also boosts Celtic’s confidence as they chase Eastern Conference positioning.
Final Words
This wasn’t a typical Celtics vs Lakers game. It was a Boston statement night. The Celtics got elite shooting, tight defense, and big plays from their stars. The Lakers will need adjustments before their next home game.
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