Tatum drops 40 in OT victory
Jayson Tatum delivered a big performance on Tuesday night, sinking a 17 foot jumper at the overtime buzzer to give the Boston Celtics a 125-124 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Tatum finished with 40 points, shooting 10 of 20 from the field and 18 of 22 from the free throw line.
This was his first 40 point game since returning in March from a torn right Achilles. Tatum became the first player in NBA history to score at least 40 points and hit a game winning buzzer beater before November. He also joined Larry Bird as the only players in Celtics history to score at least 40 points and hit a buzzer beater in the same game. His third career buzzer beater tied Bill Sharman for third most in franchise history, behind Paul Pierce with six and Bird with four.
Late drama in regulation and overtime
Neither team led by more than eight points during the night. The Nets took a 109-104 lead after a basket by Julius Randle with 2:57 left in regulation, but the Celtics answered. With 33.7 seconds remaining in regulation, Derrick White slipped behind the defense and Tatum found him for a tiebreaking dunk. White drew a foul and made the free throw to put Boston ahead 114-111.
Mitchell Robinson missed two free throws with three seconds left in regulation, giving Brooklyn a final chance. Nets rookie Mikel Brown Jr. made a tying three pointer with 0.2 seconds left to send the game to overtime. In overtime, Brown missed a layup with 2.3 seconds left, setting up Tatum for the winning shot at the buzzer.
Key numbers for both teams
Paul George scored 20 points and White added 16 for Boston, who earned their third straight win. The Celtics have not lost since blowing a 22 point lead in their opener at Detroit. Boston struggled early, shooting 2 of 16 from three point range in the first half to trail 61-56, before making 9 of 22 from deep in the second half.
Michael Porter Jr. led Brooklyn with 27 points and 12 rebounds, while Randle added 24 points. Brown finished with 17 points. Brooklyn fell to 0-4 on the season, opening 0-4 in back to back years for the first time in franchise history.
Predictions for these teams
Read next
- Football predictions today
- Jackpot predictions this week
- NBA and every other league
- NBA official website
Good to know: We are not paid for any link on this page.
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
18+Read this before you bet
- There are no sure bets. Every tip on this page is a chance worked out from data about the next game. A tip at 70 percent still loses about three times in ten. Anyone selling a sure bet or a fixed match is lying.
- Betting is not income. Never bet to pay rent, school fees or a loan, and never borrow to bet, including from mobile loan apps.
- 18 and over only. Betting under 18 is illegal in Kenya.
- Use licensed bookmakers. Only bet with operators licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya. Prices here can change before you bet, so check them first.
- Gambling can be addictive. If it stops being fun, stop. Read our responsible betting page or visit Responsible Gaming Federation of Kenya.
Good to know: We are not a bookmaker and we do not take bets. Full details are in our disclaimer.
