Austin Reaves hit a career-high seven 3-pointers and scored 32 points, which was the most in a season for him. He helped the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 114–105 on Thursday night, even though LeBron James and Anthony Davis were not on the team.

James couldn’t play because he hurt his left ankle, and Davis couldn’t because he hurt his Achilles tendon and had left hip cramps.

Reaves made 7 out of 10 shots from longer range. He also missed one and was fouled, but he made all three free throws. The Celtics are the best team in the NBA, but the Lakers held off their two-game losing streak by making 19 of 36 3-pointers.

Russell scored 16 points, dished out 14 assists, and grabbed 8 rebounds for the Lakers. Jaxon Hayes scored 16 points and grabbed 10 boards.

The Celtics had 15 mistakes and Jayson Tatum scored 23 points. This is Boston’s third loss in five games at home since going 20-0 to start the season.

In the fourth quarter, Boston never got ahead by more than seven points.

Big man Jarred Vanderbilt scored 10 points, grabbed seven boards, and stole three balls in 16 minutes. During the last minute of the first half, he fell as he tried to get back on the court after Tatum stripped him. The team said he missed the rest of the game because his right foot hurt.

James and Davis were ruled out hours before the nationally watched game between the two teams that have been rivals for a long time, which took away from the excitement.

The young Lakers team of Russell, Reaves, and Taurean Prince didn’t let it stop them. Vanderbilt and Hayes from getting ahead by 11 points early on, thanks in large part to Reaves’ 11-point first quarter. The young Lakers made 13 3s in the first half, which gave them a 60-46 lead.

In the third quarter, the Celtics went on a 12–2 run that included four straight three-pointers that cut the lead to 77–71. Tatum got everyone on their feet during the run when he dove to tie up Rui Hachimura and force a jump ball.

This season, Thursday was the first time that both James and Davis missed the same game for Los Angeles. The Lakers are trying to improve their place in the Western Conference playoff race. The Lakers were in ninth place at the start of the day.

This is something that both players have dealt with all season, according to coach Darvin Ham before the game. It’s not clear how long either will be out. James has played in 44 of the 49 games this season. For Davis, he has played in 46 games.