Jayson Tatum’s last-second jumper secured a 118-116 victory for the Boston Celtics over the depleted New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night in New Orleans. Tatum finished the game with 27 points, while his teammate Jaylen Brown led the scoring with 28 points. This win marks the fifth consecutive loss for the Pelicans, who played without key player Dejounte Murray due to a lower right leg injury sustained early in the first quarter.
Through three quarters, Tatum had accumulated 22 points, but faced challenges in the fourth as the game tightened. However, following CJ McCollum’s tying basket with just 24 seconds remaining, Tatum delivered the decisive shot from the left wing with only 0.7 seconds on the clock.
On the Pelicans’ side, Trey Murphy had a standout performance, leading all scorers with a season-high 40 points, including an impressive 8 for 12 from beyond the arc. Jose Alvarado contributed 20 points, while McCollum added 17 points but struggled with his shooting, going just 1 for 7 from three-point range.
The Celtics demonstrated a strong team performance with 32 assists on 42 field goals made, showcasing their offensive cohesion. Notably, Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet were integral in the fourth quarter, scoring 13 of the team’s first 17 points during that period. Porzingis also recorded four blocks during the game.
The Pelicans faced further difficulties as Zion Williamson was absent due to a stomach bug, adding to their challenges with a roster that has seen significant injuries this season. McCollum’s last-minute attempt to tie the game fell short, sealing New Orleans’ fate.
Looking ahead, the Celtics are set to face the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday night, while the Pelicans will embark on a four-game road trip starting Monday against the Denver Nuggets.
Overall, this game highlights Tatum’s clutch performance and the Celtics’ ability to execute under pressure, while also emphasizing the challenges faced by the Pelicans this season with their injury woes. It serves as a reminder of the competitive nature of the NBA, where even the strongest teams can face setbacks, but also where perseverance can lead to thrilling finishes.