Jayson Tatum had a rollercoaster of a game on Saturday against the Toronto Raptors, missing a critical opportunity for a game-winning shot in regulation, but making no mistake in overtime. His dramatic three-pointer at the buzzer secured a thrilling 126-123 victory for the Boston Celtics at TD Garden, improving their record to 11-3 and positioning them just behind the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference standings.
In regulation, Tatum faced a chance to clinch the win but lost control of the ball while maneuvering toward the free-throw line. Despite having an open look following a defensive misstep by Ochai Agbaji, Tatum rushed his shot and it fell short.
Overtime was a tight contest, with both teams scoring nine points. With 12 seconds remaining, Tatum found himself in a similar situation to regulation. After a play that initially aimed to free Jaylen Brown, Tatum had to take on the shot himself after Brown was knocked down without a foul call. With time running out, Tatum managed to create space for his shot and, as the buzzer sounded, he delivered a perfect shot to win the game.
Tatum’s performance was impressive—finishing with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 9 assists—just one assist shy of a triple-double. Jaylen Brown led the team with 27 points, alongside six rebounds and seven assists. Coach Joe Mazzulla highlighted Tatum’s perseverance, noting that it’s essential to remind players of their hard work and that missing game-winners is a common part of the game.
The Raptors, dealing with several injuries to key players including All-Star Scottie Barnes, put up a commendable fight, with Jakob Pöeltl scoring a game-high 35 points and RJ Barrett achieving a triple-double.
Looking ahead, the Celtics will have a break before challenging the Cavaliers on Tuesday. This match could be a crucial one, as both teams are among the top contenders in the conference.
Overall, this thrilling victory not only showcased Tatum’s resilience but also solidified the Celtics’ position as a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference, offering fans a lot to look forward to as the season progresses. The ability to bounce back from missed opportunities certainly reflects the mental toughness necessary for success in the NBA.