Celtics Complete Stunning Comeback Against Lakers in Classic Rivalry Showdown

The Boston Celtics delivered one of the most memorable performances of the 2025-26 NBA season on Sunday night, erasing a 20-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 128-122 in overtime at TD Garden. The victory marked Boston's largest comeback of the season and continued their dominance in one of basketball's most storied rivalries.

Jayson Tatum led the charge for Boston with 42 points, including 15 in the fourth quarter and overtime combined. The All-Star forward shot 14-of-28 from the field and knocked down six three-pointers in what many are calling his finest performance of the season. Jaylen Brown added 28 points and 9 rebounds, while veteran point guard Marcus Smart contributed crucial plays down the stretch with 12 assists and 4 steals.

The Lakers appeared to be cruising to victory when they held a 98-78 lead with 8:42 remaining in regulation. LeBron James, who finished with 35 points and 11 assists, seemed to have Boston on the ropes as he orchestrated several momentum-building plays in the third quarter. Anthony Davis dominated the paint early, recording 22 points and 14 rebounds before foul trouble limited his fourth-quarter minutes.

Boston's comeback began with a defensive adjustment that focused on forcing turnovers and pushing the pace. The Celtics scored 28 points off 11 Lakers turnovers in the final frame, with their pressure defense creating easy transition opportunities. A pivotal moment came when Smart intercepted a James pass and found Tatum for a three-pointer that cut the deficit to single digits with 4:12 remaining.

The final minutes of regulation featured several lead changes, with neither team able to establish control. Davis fouled out with 1:43 left in regulation, leaving the Lakers without their defensive anchor. Tatum tied the game at 115-115 with a contested three-pointer over Russell Westbrook with 12 seconds remaining, sending the capacity crowd into a frenzy.

In overtime, Boston took control early and never relented. Brown opened the extra period with back-to-back baskets, and the Celtics outscored Los Angeles 13-7 in the five-minute session. The victory improved Boston to 38-18 on the season, maintaining their position atop the Eastern Conference standings while dealing a significant blow to the Lakers' playoff aspirations in the competitive Western Conference.