Celtics hold off Lakers, extend winning streak to four in a row

Jayson Tatum led the way with 40 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists while Jaylen Brown chipped in with 31 points.

How many wins in a row now for Boston? One? Two? Three? Nope. Jayson Tatum has it right; they’ve won four in a row now. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

BOSTON — Before most Boston Celtics games at home or on the road, Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are usually the last two Celtics to finish warming up.

Routine and rhythm are what they do.

But Saturday night’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers was anything but routine with two of the NBA’s most iconic brands, facing off at a time when both were among the best of the best in their respective conferences.

And the way Boston started the game (down 7-0 less than two minutes into the game), there were no signs of rhythm at either end of the floor.

Even the super-consistent rotations of Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla were different and shorter, akin to what you would see in the playoffs during a deep playoff run.

While it may not have been a playoff game, the energy, focus by core players, and overall grind told a different story, a tale the Celtics have no problem sharing with the rest of the world.