n a thrilling Summer League showdown at Thomas and Mack Arena on Thursday night, the Boston Celtics staged a stunning 87-78 comeback victory against the Los Angeles Lakers, fueled by a suffocating defensive second quarter that turned the game on its head. Despite trailing by as many as seven points in the first half, the Celtics clamped down, holding the Lakers to a mere nine points in the second frame to seize control and never look back. This gritty performance propelled Boston to a 3-1 record in Las Vegas, setting the stage for their final consolation round game this weekend.
The Celtics’ triumph was all the more remarkable given the absence of their standout center, Charles Bassey, whose departure from the team was announced just before tip-off. Yet, Boston’s depth and resilience shone through, with key contributions from unlikely heroes and a defensive masterclass that exposed the Lakers’ vulnerabilities. Here’s how the Celtics pulled off this electrifying win and what it means for their Summer League campaign.
The Celtics’ second-quarter defensive clinic was the game’s defining moment. After a shaky start, Boston flipped the script, stifling the Lakers’ offense with relentless pressure and smart rotations. Holding Los Angeles to just nine points in the period, the Celtics erased their early deficit and stormed into halftime with the lead. This momentum carried into the second half, where Boston maintained control, stretching their advantage to double digits in the fourth quarter and cruising to the victory.
The absence of Charles Bassey, who had been a force with 15.3 points and 11.0 rebounds per game on 70.4 percent shooting, forced the Celtics to rely on rookie center Amari Williams and undersized big man Kenneth Lofton Jr. While the interior defense showed cracks at times, Boston’s collective effort—marked by active hands, sharp rotations, and a refusal to back down—proved too much for the Lakers to handle.
Leading the charge was Jordan Walsh, who shook off his ejection from Monday’s game to deliver a team-high 17 points and five rebounds. The young forward was a spark plug, attacking with confidence and setting the tone for Boston’s relentless energy. His ability to rebound from adversity showcased his potential as a key piece for the Celtics moving forward.
Rookie Hugo Gonzalez also turned heads, bouncing back from a rough outing against the Heat with a strong offensive performance. The 19-year-old first-round pick overcame early turnovers to drop 13 points, including a pair of silky 3-pointers and crafty backdoor cuts that led to easy buckets. Gonzalez’s ability to shake off mistakes and contribute meaningfully on offense bodes well for his development, even if his Summer League journey remains a work in progress.
On the flip side, second-year wing Baylor Scheierman continued to battle shooting woes. Entering the game with a dismal 31 percent field goal percentage in Summer League, Scheierman’s struggles persisted, as he went 2-for-14 from the field and 2-for-11 from beyond the arc. While his rebounding and playmaking remain bright spots, the 24-year-old’s shooting slump is a growing concern for a Celtics team hoping he can vie for rotation minutes in the regular season.
Two-way player Miles Norris made a case for himself with a season-best 11 points off the bench, but his inconsistent 3-point shooting in Las Vegas raises questions about his future with the team. Typically a reliable perimeter shooter, Norris has struggled to find his range this week. With the Celtics’ roster already full and intriguing prospects emerging, Norris may need a standout performance in the final game to secure his spot.
Stepping up in Bassey’s absence, Kenneth Lofton Jr. proved his worth with a dynamic 12-point, seven-rebound, five-assist performance off the bench. The undersized big man’s versatility and hustle were critical in keeping the Lakers at bay, offering a glimpse of his potential as a valuable depth piece.
The Celtics’ ability to dominate without their top center revealed the depth and grit that define this Summer League squad. As they head into their final game in Las Vegas, Boston will look to build on this momentum and fine-tune their roster decisions. For the Lakers, Bronny James’ team-high 18 points were a bright spot in an otherwise tough night, but they couldn’t overcome Boston’s defensive onslaught.
This thrilling victory underscores the Celtics’ resilience and adaptability, proving they can overcome adversity and still come out on top. With one game left, all eyes will be on how this young core builds on their success—and whether they can carry this momentum into the regular season.