The NBA Playoffs aren’t until April, yet Saturday night’s primetime showdown between the Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers had an undeniable playoff atmosphere. Celtics star Jaylen Brown felt it and fed off the energy of the TD Garden faithful to help Boston secure a 111-101 victory.

Under any circumstances, a Celtics/Lakers game on a Saturday night would generate substantial buzz, but this one seemed to have it all. The two teams have been among the best in the NBA this season. The Celtics are defending champions,

The Celtics’ latest injury report on Thursday listed Brown as questionable, and his participation in shootaround on Friday morning suggests he may be ready to return. Per Zack Cox of the Boston Herald, Brown was on the court Friday morning.