Celtics rout Lakers to sweep season series
LOS ANGELES -- Isaiah Thomas scored 18 points and handed out eight assists, and the Boston Celtics rolled to a 115-95 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night at Staples Center.
Al Horford had 17 points on 8-of-12 shooting for the Celtics (31-22), who have won seven of their last 10 games. Rookie Jaylen Brown scored 16 points off the bench, Avery Bradley had 15 points, Jae Crowder contributed 14 points and Amir Johnson finished with 13.
With the Celtics holding a double-digit lead, Thomas rested in the fourth quarter.
Jordan Clarkson scored 20 points and D'Angelo Russell added 17 points for the Lakers (19-43), who lost their sixth consecutive game. Los Angeles forward Julius Randle scored 13.
Lakers rookie Brandon Ingram failed to score in 26 minutes.
The Celtics set a season high in points in the first half with a 70-45 advantage at the break. Their previous best was 68 points against the Orlando Magic on Jan. 27.
The Lakers have allowed 70 or more points in a half three times this season.
In the third quarter, Boston increased the margin to as much as 31 before Los Angeles cut the deficit to 93-78 heading into the final period.
The Lakers closed the gap to 13, but the Celtics prevented them from getting any closer.
Boston, which captured a 113-107 win at TD Garden on Feb. 3, swept the season series for the first time since the 2007-08 season.
NOTES: Lakers coach Luke Walton said the battle between team president Jeanie Buss and her brothers Jim and Johnny over control of the franchise has no impact on the team. "It's easy for me (to ignore). I coach and I focus. We've got a lot of focus on with our players and what we're trying to do. Stuff that's not in my control I don't spend much time thinking about," Walton said. ... The Celtics are 32-4 when leading or tied at the end of the third quarter. ... Boston C Tyler Zeller (illness) missed the game. ... Both clubs resume play Sunday. The Celtics visit the Phoenix Suns, while the Lakers host the New Orleans Pelicans.