Though Luka Dončić’s fourth-quarter explosion showed he is capable of keeping the Lakers in big games, LeBron James’ fourth-quarter groin injury will loom large after this loss, which snapped Los Angeles’ eight-game win streak. With 6:44 left in the game, James called for a timeout and eventually headed to the locker room with a left groin strain.

The Boston Celtics emerged victorious in a highly anticipated showdown against the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, snapping LA's eight-game winning streak and evening the season series. Leading the charge for Boston was Jayson Tatum, who delivered a dominant performance with 40 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists in the 114-105 victory.

Could we realistically see a Boston Celtics - Los Angeles Lakers NBA finals this season? Not too long ago, such a proposition would have seemed dubious at best, with the Celtics repeat champs but Los Angeles struggling to put the right pieces around an aging but still excellent LeBron James.