Bucks 120, Hawks 109
Warriors 119, Cavaliers 101
Celtics 121, Lakers 113
Suns 122, Kings 114
What went down
The Staples Center in Los Angeles opened its doors to fans for the first time this season. And even though the Lakers lost to the Celtics, the LA faithful did have something to cheer about in the fourth quarter.
The Celtics were crushing the undermanned Lakers and were on their way to an easy win. During garbage time, LA’s second unit delivered an improbable yet spirited comeback. From being down by 27, the Lakers used a 22-2 run by their bench to get back into the game. The unlikely crew of Talen Horton-Tucker, Ben McLemore, Alfonzo McKinnie, Devontae Cacok, and Kostas Antetokounmpo prompted the Celtics to redeploy a few of their starters in the final minutes.
In the end, the Celtics still won thanks largely to Jaylen Brown who had 40, including a pair of clutch baskets to avoid a Boston meltdown.
The Celtics have won five straight, including a 3-0 road trip against the Denver Nuggets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Lakers.
Big-time baller
Jaylen Brown propelled the Celtics past their rival by exploding for 40 points. Even more impressive, he dismantled the Lakers defense with accurate precision, missing only thrice from the field in 20 attempts.
Brown’s 40-point piece on 85 percent shooting is a first in Celtics franchise history. Considering that there have been a ton of legends who played for the Celtics, this feat is incredible.
What he said
Last night, LaMarcus Aldridge announced his retirement from the NBA in his own words. You’ve probably seen his post on social media but he went online again a couple of hours later to share a few more thoughts. Saying that it was a “tough day for me but I appreciate all the love."
Tough day for me but I appreciate all the love..... on social media and people who reached out personally. 🙏🏾
— LaMarcus Aldridge (@aldridge_12) April 15, 2021
Did you see that?
Steph Curry checking Twitter at halftime is no longer a myth. He’s not afraid to admit that he scrolls through the app mid-game and often finds motivation or fuel for the second half.
NBC Sports’ Kerith Burke tested this theory and the two-time MVP apparently got the message at halftime. Check out this exchange postgame. If you’ve just scored 30-plus for the ninth straight time and your team is on a four game win streak, you’ll feel pretty good too.
Steph saw @KerithBurke's tweet at halftime and did the celebration 😂 ?? pic.twitter.com/jcWcQ6AYEQ
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 16, 2021
