Lakers-Celtics tops Saturday prime-time ratings for best mark in 7 years

A big audience tuned in Saturday night to watch Luka Doncic's first game against the Boston Celtics as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

The matchup averaged 4.61 million viewers on ABC and peaked at 5.3 million, making it the NBA's most-watched regular-season game (excluding Christmas Day) in seven years, the league announced Tuesday. It was also the most-watched prime-time program Saturday.

The Lakers lost 111-101 to the defending champion Celtics, ending their eight-game winning streak. Doncic finished with a team-high 34 points and eight rebounds, while Jayson Tatum led the way for the Celtics with 40 points, 12 rebounds, and eight assists.

The game marked Doncic's first visit to Boston since he and the Dallas Mavericks lost Game 5 of the NBA Finals to the Celtics last year.

The Lakers and Celtics previously met Jan. 23 when L.A. won 117-96.