Los Angeles ClippersOpen full analysis
Boston CelticsOpen full analysis
The Boston Celtics edged the Los Angeles Clippers 121–118 on November 16 at TD Garden in a tight contest decided by defensive execution down the stretch. Jaylen Brown led Boston with 33 points, supported by Paul Pritchard's 30-point performance, while James Harden paced the Clippers with 37 points in a losing effort. Boston shot 44.7 percent from the field and made 16 three-pointers, holding a 49–44 rebounding advantage and dishing out 26 assists to Los Angeles's 23. The Celtics' fourth quarter proved decisive, outscoring the Clippers 31–33 after the visitors had mounted a third-quarter surge with 36 points. Los Angeles's offensive efficiency (121.4) nearly matched Boston's (125.4), but the Clippers' 13 turnovers versus Boston's 6 proved costly in a three-point game. Despite Harden's prolific scoring, the Clippers shot 46.9 percent and couldn't overcome their ball-handling issues and Boston's defensive pressure in the final moments. The result keeps the Celtics in contention atop the Eastern Conference while the Clippers face questions about closing out tight road games.
