Boston Celtics win fifth straight, Jayson Tatum praises Paul George, Yaxel Lendeborg scores 37 for Golden State Warriors, NBA Wrap

Luka Doncic has continued his incredible start to the season, but it was a hilarious moment involving Austin Reaves and a fan that stole the show as the Lakers survived a late scare.

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The Boston Celtics have continued their impressive start to the season, with Jayson Tatum full of praise for his new co-star as they made it five wins in a row.

Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors have found a new star in the making, with their rookie exploding for a career-high 37 points in the absence of Stephen Curry.

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DONCIC EXPLODES AS REAVES INVOLVED IN BIZARRE HEADBAND MOMENT

Luka Doncic has exploded for 45 points, 14 rebounds and six assists as the Los Angeles Lakers secured another win, this time over the Toronto Raptors.

Doncic has been unstoppable to start the season, averaging 36.2 points, 7.6 assists and 6.8 rebounds whilst shooting 48% from the field and 39% from beyond the arc.

The Lakers have now improved to 5-2 on the season, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing, with a late scare almost costing them the contest and one of their stars involved in a hilarious interaction with a fan.

According to Dan Woike of The Athletic, the Lakers emptied their bench late in the contest, only for the back end of their roster to get ‘waxed’ as Toronto threatened a comeback.

Doncic was even seen tying up his shoes after being brought back into the game, whilst Lakers coach JJ Redick looked far from impressed with 43.2 seconds remaining in the final quarter.

But perhaps the funniest moment of the night involved Austin Reaves, who had handed his headband to a fan after checking out of the game.

However, with the Lakers forced to bring their starters back onto the court, Reaves had to ask the fan for his headband back before returning to help close out the win.

Reaves finished with 19 points, four assists and three rebounds, whilst Lakers big man Walker Kessler added 16 points and 15 rebounds.

Coming off the bench, Collin Sexton was strong with 14 points, three rebounds and three assists, whilst Sandro Mamukelashvili was the only other Laker to finish in double figures.

Aussie Matisse Thybulle also impressed in his 24 minutes on the court, finishing with six points, three assists, two rebounds and four steals.

For the Raptors, who remain without Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes led the way with 29 points, six rebounds and five assists, whilst RJ Barrett finished with 22 points, ten rebounds and five assists.

Toronto has now fallen to 3-3 on the season and will look to bounce back against the Los Angeles Clippers in its next outing.

TATUM AND GEORGE LEAD CELTICS TO FIFTH STRAIGHT WIN

The duo of Jayson Tatum and Paul George proved too strong for the Orlando Magic, as the Boston Celtics made it five wins in a row.

Tatum was once again on fire for Boston, finishing with 32 points, seven assists and four rebounds as his strong start to the season continues.

The 2024 NBA champion also made his presence felt at the free-throw line, converting 15 of his 17 attempts, which pleased head coach Joe Mazzulla.

“He’s doing a great job of playing with poise,” Mazzulla said post-game.

“He’s doing a great job creating separation and he’s changing pace below the free-throw line.”

Through the opening six games of the season, Tatum is averaging 28.3 points, 7.7 assists and six rebounds per game, whilst shooting 44 per cent from the field.

He has also joined Celtics legends Larry Bird and John Havlicek as the only players in franchise history to average at least 28 points and seven assists through the opening six games of a season.

In his first full season back since suffering an Achilles injury, and with the keys to the franchise firmly in his hands, Tatum is making sure the Celtics are off to a strong start.

But it has also been his co-star and off-season acquisition Paul George who has impressed early.

George finished with 17 points, eight assists and six rebounds against the Magic, continuing his strong start to life in Boston.

His performance also had Tatum full of praise during his on-court post-game interview.

“He hit some unbelievable shots,” Tatum said.

“His awareness on the defensive end and his activity with his hands is next level.

“He just always has awareness for the ball, deflections, he makes it easy for the rest of us.”

George was the centrepiece of the Celtics’ trade involving Jaylen Brown, with the nine-time All-Star averaging 20.7 points, six rebounds and five assists, alongside 2.3 steals per game.

He is also shooting 47 per cent from the field and 39 per cent from beyond the arc.

Speaking after the win over Orlando, George made it clear that winning a championship is his biggest motivation this season.

“Year 17, that’s all I care about,” George said.

“I don’t care about scoring, I don’t care about whatever it is.

“I’m gonna do whatever I can to win, that’s the one thing I’m seeking.”

That mentality has been on display early, with the Celtics starting the season 5-1 and George enjoying a strong return to form after playing just 37 games last season and 41 the season before.

History suggests Boston’s strong start could be a good sign for what is to come.

On the 14 previous occasions the Celtics have started a season 5-1, they have gone on to reach the playoffs every time, winning five NBA championships in those seasons.