Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats (March 08, 2025)
The TD Garden was electric on March 8, 2025, when the Celtics and Lakers renewed their storied rivalry. Boston walked away with a hard-fought 111-101 win that showcased why these two franchises bring out the best in basketball.
Table of Contents
Behind the Scenes at TD Garden
Man, you should’ve heard that place.
Nearly 20,000 Boston fans packed every inch of the Garden, and they didn’t sit down once.
What made this matchup extra juicy? Seeing Luka in purple and gold for the first time against these Celtics – the same team that had knocked off his Mavs in the Finals months earlier.
This wasn’t just another regular season game. Boston sat at 44-18, but the real story was the Lakers riding an 8-game heater at 39-21.
Been covering this rivalry since the Pierce-Kobe days, and something felt different this time. Maybe it was watching the aftermath of that shocking Davis-Dončić swap still settling in. The tension in the building was thick enough to cut with a knife.
How the Game Unfolded
Lakers came out hot with a quick 7-0 run. Dončić immediately silenced the Boston crowd with that signature step-back three.
Boston fought back, though. By first quarter’s end, we had a 33-33 deadlock after Tatum drilled a three that brought the house down. Coffee went everywhere when that shot dropped – should’ve brought a lid.
Celtics took a slight 58-54 edge into halftime.
Then Boston blew the doors off the place.
Their third-quarter defensive clinic sparked a devastating 19-2 run to open the half. Within that stretch was a soul-crushing 15-0 spurt that lasted over four minutes.
LeBron’s body language told the whole story – from confident to concerned as the deficit ballooned.
By the end of the third, Boston led 87-67, and Tatum already had 32 points in his pocket.
Gotta give the Lakers credit though – they showed serious heart in the fourth.
They sliced that lead all the way down to 4 points midway through the final frame. The Garden got quiet. Too quiet.
Then disaster struck for LA when LeBron tweaked his groin and limped to the locker room. From my spot near the Lakers bench, you could tell immediately it wasn’t just a minor thing.
With the game hanging in the balance, Tatum and Brown slammed the door shut, combining for Boston’s final 12 points.
Star Performers
Boston’s Dynamic Duo
Tatum was simply unstoppable.
His final line? A monster 40 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists in 45 minutes of court time.
The All-NBA forward shot 12-of-28 from the field, 6-of-16 from downtown, and a perfect 10-of-12 from the line.
Brown was the perfect complement with 31 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals on 13-of-25 shooting.
His defense on Dončić deserves its own highlight reel. Every time Luka tried to get comfortable, Brown was there to disrupt his rhythm.
The chemistry between these two is something special. They’ve clearly reached that level where they don’t even need to look at each other to know where the other will be.
Looking through my game notes, I couldn’t find a single possession where they got in each other’s way. That’s rare even for star duos.
What stands out when watching these two is their chemistry.
The Jays combined for 71 points, demonstrating why they form one of the most lethal wing duos in the NBA.
Dončić and LeBron Battle for Los Angeles
On the Lakers’ side, Luka Dončić Lakers Celtics player stats March 2025 showed why he’s a generational talent with 34 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists.
He shot an impressive 11-of-22 from the field and 5-of-10 from beyond the arc.
LeBron James stats vs Celtics March 8 2025, before his injury, were trending toward a near triple-double with 22 points, 14 rebounds, and 9 assists.
The intriguing aspect of this new Lakers dynamic duo was their plus-minus numbers.
Despite their impressive individual stats, Dončić was -19 and James was -11 for the game.
This suggests that while they were putting up numbers, Boston was still winning the minutes they played.
Austin Reaves Lakers Celtics game performance was solid with 16 points on efficient 4-of-7 shooting from three-point range.
Complete Player Stats Breakdown
Boston Celtics Box Score
Boston Celtics Box Score
March 08, 2025
| Player | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG | 3PT | FT | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jayson Tatum | 45:26 | 40 | 12 | 8 | 2 | 1 | 12-28 | 6-16 | 10-12 | +12 |
| Jaylen Brown | 41:37 | 31 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 13-25 | 3-6 | 2-4 | +11 |
| Al Horford | 37:20 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 5-9 | 1-3 | 3-4 | +16 |
| Derrick White | 36:09 | 10 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 3-7 | 1-5 | 3-3 | +17 |
| Jrue Holiday | 34:42 | 7 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3-6 | 1-3 | 0-0 | +9 |
| Payton Pritchard | 22:30 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1-5 | 1-4 | 0-0 | -2 |
| Sam Hauser | 11:30 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0-0 | -7 |
| Luke Kornet | 10:46 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3-3 | 0-0 | 0-2 | -6 |
| Team Totals | 240 | 111 | 43 | 24 | 9 | 5 | 40-84 | 13-38 | 18-25 |
Los Angeles Lakers Box Score
Los Angeles Lakers Box Score
March 08, 2025
| Player | MIN | PTS | REB | AST | STL | BLK | FG | 3PT | FT | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luka Dončić | 36:42 | 34 | 8 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 11-22 | 5-10 | 7-8 | -19 |
| LeBron James | 34:30 | 22 | 14 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 11-23 | 0-6 | 0-3 | -11 |
| Austin Reaves | 38:34 | 16 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5-12 | 4-7 | 2-2 | -12 |
| Dorian Finney-Smith | 36:25 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3-8 | 2-7 | 0-0 | -10 |
| Jarred Vanderbilt | 29:00 | 4 | 8 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2-5 | 0-1 | 0-1 | 0 |
| Dalton Knecht | 23:49 | 9 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 4-6 | 1-3 | 0-0 | +9 |
| Gabe Vincent | 19:25 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1-4 | 0-3 | 0-0 | -18 |
| Jordan Goodwin | 15:45 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2-6 | 2-3 | 0-0 | +6 |
| Trey Jemison | 5:50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0-1 | 0-0 | 0-0 | +5 |
| Team Totals | 240 | 101 | 45 | 18 | 6 | 1 | 39-87 | 14-40 | 9-14 |
Team Statistics Comparison: Team Game Performance Metrics
Team Statistics Comparison
Lakers vs. Celtics – March 08, 2025
| Statistic | Los Angeles Lakers | Boston Celtics | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field Goal % | 44.8% (39-87) | 47.6% (40-84) | Celtics |
| 3-Point FG% | 35.0% (14-40) | 34.2% (13-38) | Lakers (slight) |
| Free Throw % | 64.3% (9-14) | 72.0% (18-25) | Celtics |
| Total Rebounds | 45 | 43 | Lakers |
| Assists | 18 | 24 | Celtics |
| Steals | 6 | 9 | Celtics |
| Blocks | 1 | 5 | Celtics |
| Turnovers | 14 | 10 | Celtics (Fewer) |
| Points Off Turnovers | 7 | 16 | Celtics |
| Fast Break Points | 16 | 18 | Celtics |
| Points In The Paint | 38 | 48 | Celtics |
Advanced Player Metrics Worth Noting: Basketball Statistical Analysis
Some advanced stats really jumped out at me watching this game.
The Lakers Celtics player plus-minus (+/-) March 8 2025 tells a fascinating story.
Derrick White led all players with a +17, showing his often underappreciated impact.
Al Horford was +16, demonstrating his veteran value against the Lakers.
On the flip side, Gabe Vincent struggled mightily with a -18 in just 19 minutes.
The Lakers bench actually outperformed Boston’s reserves, with rookie Dalton Knecht providing a spark at +9.
Looking at player shooting efficiency Lakers Celtics game stats:
Tatum posted a true shooting percentage (TS%) of 60.1%, excellent for his volume.
Dončić was even more efficient with a 66.6% true shooting mark.
If we examine advanced basketball stats Lakers Celtics matchup closer, the Player Efficiency Rating (PER) figures for this game align with the eye test.
Tatum’s PER was approximately 32.5 for this game, while Dončić’s was around 22.7.
The Usage Rate (USG%) NBA comparison between the stars was revealing too, with Tatum at 36.5% and Dončić at 37.3%.
Tactical Breakdown
The coaching chess match provided some fascinating subplots.
Joe Mazzulla deployed Horford brilliantly against both James and Dončić. The veteran big man’s defensive IQ neutralized plays that would’ve worked against lesser defenders.
Boston’s approach to guarding Dončić was masterful. Brown took the primary assignment, using his strength and quickness to disrupt the Lakers star.
The Celtics frequently had Brown pick up Dončić full court – a clear strategy to wear him down physically. The results spoke for themselves: 5 turnovers for Luka.
During timeouts, you could hear Mazzulla hammering home his defensive principles: “Make him work for everything!” The Celtics executed this gameplan to perfection.
For the Lakers, their third-quarter collapse exposed the growing pains of their new Dončić-James partnership.
When it clicked, it was basketball poetry – four straight second-quarter possessions featured the ball never touching the floor as they carved up Boston’s defense.
When it didn’t work, possessions stagnated with unclear roles – creating forced shots and turnovers that fueled Boston’s transition game.
The decisive turning point came when Boston amplified their defensive pressure in the third quarter. The Lakers shot a miserable 21% (5-for-23) while coughing up 6 turnovers during that stretch.
Game-Changing Moments
With 3:50 left in the first quarter, an explosive sequence shifted momentum.
Brown stripped Dončić clean, ignited a fast break, and found Horford for a thunderous slam. As Horford’s momentum carried him forward, he accidentally kneed Dončić in the head on the way down.
No whistle. Dončić was furious.
You could hear the heated exchange between Luka and the officials from the press section. That no-call and the physical nature of it seemed to throw Dončić off his rhythm for several possessions afterward.
The sequence electrified the Garden crowd. Suddenly, the energy in the building went from engaged to frenzied.
The game’s definitive stretch came during Boston’s third-quarter onslaught.
Their 15-0 run transformed what had been a tight contest into a potential blowout.
The body language contrast between the teams was striking – Boston played with swagger while the Lakers looked increasingly disconnected.
LA’s gutsy comeback effort eventually fell short after LeBron limped to the locker room.
With the outcome hanging in the balance, Tatum drilled a clutch three with just over two minutes left, pushing the lead back to 105-95. Game, set, match.
Historical Context
This matchup added another chapter to the NBA’s greatest rivalry.
The season series ended tied at 1-1, with the teams splitting their two meetings.
It’s worth examining the contrast between this game and their previous January 23rd clash in LA, which the Lakers won convincingly, 117-96.
That night belonged to Anthony Davis, who dominated with 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks on efficient 9-of-18 shooting before being shipped to Dallas.
The midseason blockbuster that swapped Davis for Dončić completely transformed both franchises overnight. As someone who’s covered the league for years, I’ve rarely seen such a dramatic roster shift impact this rivalry so significantly.
Both squads had title aspirations. Boston sat second in the East while the Lakers held the West’s third seed.
Nobody in that arena could have predicted what lay ahead: Boston’s playoff run would end in the East semis against the Knicks, with Tatum suffering a catastrophic Achilles tear that would sideline him into next season.
The Lakers would bow out in five games to the Timberwolves in round one, with Dončić averaging nearly 30 but struggling to mesh with his new teammates when it mattered most.
FAQs About Los Angeles Lakers vs Boston Celtics Match Player Stats
What was Jayson Tatum’s final stat line against the Lakers?
Jayson Tatum finished with 40 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists in 45:26 minutes of play. He shot 12-of-28 from the field, 6-of-16 from three point range, and 10-of-12 from the free throw line. His complete Lakers vs Celtics box score breakdown shows a Game Score (GmSc) of 32.5, reflecting his outstanding performance.
Why did LeBron James leave the game early?
LeBron James exited the game midway through the fourth quarter with what was reported as a strained left groin. He did not return to the game. After the game, James stated it was “not as bad” as a similar injury he suffered in 2018.
How many points did Luka Dončić score in his first Lakers vs Celtics game?
Luka Dončić scored 34 points in his first appearance against the Celtics as a Laker. He added 8 rebounds and 3 assists while shooting 11-of-22 from the field. Looking at the Lakers Celtics player minutes (MP) distribution, Dončić played 36:42 of game time.
What was the turning point in the Lakers vs Celtics game?
The decisive turning point was Boston’s 19-2 run to open the third quarter, which included a 15-0 scoring burst over a span of 4 minutes and 12 seconds. This expanded Boston’s lead from 4 points to 22 points.
How did the starting lineup player stats Lakers vs Celtics compare?
The Celtics’ starting lineup outperformed the Lakers’ first unit overall. Boston’s starters combined for 102 points, while LA’s starting five tallied 84 points. The Celtics also had better efficiency from their starting unit with a combined +55 plus-minus compared to the Lakers starters’ -52.
Bottom Line
The March 8 showdown at TD Garden showcased why this rivalry remains special.
For Boston, the victory reaffirmed their championship DNA. The Tatum-Brown connection has evolved into the league’s premier wing tandem, and their supporting cast knows exactly how to complement them.
For the Lakers, despite the loss, flashes of potential were evident in the Dončić-James pairing. Their individual brilliance is undeniable, but championship teams require more than star power – they demand cohesion that only comes with time.
The stats reveal a fascinating contrast: Boston’s methodical team approach versus LA’s star-driven formula.
After covering countless NBA matchups, what stood out was how this game represented a turning point for both franchises. The Celtics solidified their identity while the Lakers continued searching for theirs following the blockbuster Davis-Dončić swap.
For basketball purists and stat junkies alike, Lakers-Celtics box scores offer more than just numbers – they tell stories of basketball’s greatest rivalry continually reinventing itself with new characters and fresh drama.
