Watch: Alex Ovechkin joins Hollywood celebrities like Jennifer Garner and Denzel Washington during LA Lakers vs Golden State Warriors

The marquee matchup between the Golden State Warriors and the LA Lakers drew an expected star-studded crew from sports and entertainment. LeBron James wasn’t scheduled to play due to a right foot injury, but Steph Curry was available after four weeks on the injury list.

The usual A-listers were led by Denzel Washington and Jennifer Garner, while an NHL legend made a somewhat surprising appearance:

Alex Ovechkin took time off his busy NHL schedule to enjoy basketball action in the NBA. Despite the Washington Capitals’ crucial stretch of trying to get into the playoffs, he was at hand to see the Warriors visit the Lakers.

Golden State and Los Angeles met for the fourth and last time in the regular season. The next time they will play each other could be in the play-in tournament or even the postseason.

Ovechkin and the rest of the stars who descended at Crypto.com Arena witnessed the LA Lakers’ sizzling start despite LeBron James’ absence. LA raced out of the gates, outscoring the Golden State Warriors 33-18 in the first 12 minutes of the game.

The defending NBA champs, however, buckled down to work in the second quarter by blitzing the Lakers 36-22. The 55-54 score heading into the halftime break was the kind of action the home crowd, including Alex Ovechkin, Denzel Washington and Jennifer Garner, appreciated.

The Bay Area squad is perhaps the league’s best third-quarter team, often turning the tables on their opponents and grabbing the game’s momentum. Tonight, LA were extraordinarily prepared for that and managed to keep their opponents at bay.

In the fourth period, Anthony Davis showed the star-studded audience that he can carry the LA Lakers when LeBron James is unavailable. He dropped 12 of his 39 points in the pivotal quarter to drag his team to victory.

Anthony Davis today:

39 points
8 rebounds
6 assists
2 blocks
56% FG

Domination on both ends

Anthony Davis today: 39 points 8 rebounds 6 assists 2 blocks 56% FG Domination on both ends ???? https://t.co/cm3ytTDfFV

AD’s eight points in the last four minutes of the game allowed the LA Lakers to survive 113-105 against the Golden State Warriors.

The LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors could battle in the playoffs

The LA Lakers hold a 31-34 record after beating the Golden State Warriors last night. More importantly, they’ve temporarily brought themselves closer to a play-in ticket or even an outright playoff berth. LA is just 2.5 games behind the Minnesota Timberwolves (34-32) for the sixth spot in the bunched-up Western Conference.

The Warriors (34-31), meanwhile, are also desperately holding on to the fifth spot and will even be looking to finish in the top four of their conference. Having Steph Curry back in the lineup after a month of absence will surely make them better and more dangerous.

Golden State is two games behind the Phoenix Suns (36-29) for the fourth seed and home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

With roughly 18-20 games left for all NBA teams, there are still various scenarios that could happen. Two such possibilities include a mouthwatering matchup between the Golden State Warriors in the play-in tournament or the playoffs.

If LeBron James and Steph Curry are healthy when the stakes are high, expect the stars to flock to these games.