BOSTON — The NBA Playoffs aren't until April, yet Saturday night's primetime showdown between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers had an undeniable playoff atmosphere. Celtics star Jaylen Brown felt it and fed off the energy of the TD Garden faithful to help Boston secure a 111-101 victory.

Behind the NBA's hottest new duo, LeBron James and Luka Dončić, the Los Angeles Lakers entered Saturday night's showdown with the Boston Celtics on an eight-game winning streak that had vaulted them up the Western Conference standings and firmly into the championship conversation.

Thanks to some very questionable dealmaking by the front office of the Mavericks, LA has revitalized the team with Luca Doncic.