Sunday presents a golden opportunity for the Boston Celtics, a chance to notch their third consecutive victory and secure their eighth win in nine games. With a potential win, they could improve their record to 37-19, strengthening their grip on the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
But this isn't just any game. The Celtics are facing their storied rivals, the Los Angeles Lakers.
Boston has already defended their home turf against LA earlier this season, setting the stage for a potential sweep of the Lakers for the first time in three seasons. A win would also mark their eighth victory in the last 11 meetings with the Lakers.
Adding to the drama, Sunday’s game coincides with a special event for a familiar adversary, Pat Riley. The former coach of the Showtime Lakers and current Miami Heat executive is being honored with a statue unveiling at Crypto Arena. For the Celtics, the chance to spoil this celebration for a long-time foe is an enticing prospect.
Riley's history with the Celtics stretches back to the 1970s. As a player, he spent six seasons with the Lakers, earning a championship in 1972.
His coaching career saw him lead the Lakers to four titles in the '80s and the Heat to one in 2006. Since 1995, he’s been the president of the Heat, guiding them to two more championships in 2012 and 2013.
In the pantheon of Boston sports rivalries, Riley stands as a prominent figure. For over 50 years, he has been a thorn in the Celtics' side, and at 80 years old, he remains a symbol of their competition with the Lakers.
Sunday's game offers what might be a final opportunity for the Celtics to have the last laugh against Riley as he stands with the purple and gold. The motivation to spoil this moment is likely more than enough to fuel Boston's fire.