10th straight win for Boston Celtics
Despite more injuries, Boston registers 10th straight victory
BOSTON— Banged-up Boston stayed as the NBA’s hottest team. Though injuries continued to pile up, the Celtics downed the Los Angeles Lakers, 107-96, to streak to their 10th straight win. Aron Baynes and Kyrie Irving combined for 40 points. Boston improved to 10-2 even as Al Horford sat out due to a concussion while Jayson Tatum injured his ankle.
Until we have only four left, I guess we’re just gonna keep playing BRAD STEVENS Celtics coach
BOSTON— The Celtics are piling up injuries almost as quickly as they are victories this season. Aron Baynes matched his career high with 21 points, Kyrie Irving scored 19 and Boston overcame injuries to Al Horford and Jayson Tatum to beat the Los Angeles Lakers 107-96 on Wednesday night for their 10th straight win. Baynes also had eight rebounds and three assists, and Boston improved to 10-2 even as Horford sat out after being placed in concussion protocol earlier in the day. The Celtics then lost rookie forward Tatum late in the second quarter, when he went to the locker room with a sore right ankle.
Coach Brad Stevens said Tatum had X-rays and was fitted with a walking boot as a precaution. He will be reexamined on Thursday.
It’s yet another blow for a team that lost Gordon Hayward for the season after a gruesome leg injury on opening night.
“Until we have only four left, I guess we’re just gonna keep playing,” Stevens said.
Boston led by 20 in the second quarter before letting the lead shrink to two in the third. Los Angeles then struggled down the stretch, shooting 5 of 18 from the field with six turnovers in the final period.
In Oakland, California, Golden State also got the job done despite sitting Kevin Durant due to a bruised left thigh.
Klay Thompson scored 28 points with six three-pointers, Stephen Curry had 22 points, eight assists and eight rebounds, and the Warriors beat the Timberwolves 125-101 for their fifth straight win.
“Five guys helping and communicating, talking, it was a thing of beauty tonight,” Curry said of the defense.