Jayson Tatum scored 33 points and grabbed nine rebounds, leading the Boston Celtics to a 108-104 overtime victory over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday night.
The win lifted Boston to an 8-2 record, with Tatum’s scoring proving crucial in a game where both teams struggled to find their rhythm from beyond the arc.
The Celtics received a significant contribution from Payton Pritchard, who scored six points in the overtime period and finished with 20.
Tatum, who missed a potential game-winner in regulation, redeemed himself with key plays in the extra period, helping Boston capitalize on Brooklyn’s missed opportunities.
Brooklyn’s Cam Thomas scored a team-high 31 points, marking his fourth 30-point performance of the season. Dennis Schroder chipped in 20 points, but Brooklyn ultimately fell short, dropping their record to 4-5.
In regulation’s closing moments, Tatum fouled Cameron Johnson, who calmly sank two free throws to tie the game at 94, forcing overtime. Tatum’s last-second three-point attempt bounced off the front rim, sending the game into extra time, where Boston’s depth made the difference.
Jrue Holiday provided the Celtics with 17 points and five assists, while Derrick White contributed 14 points and six assists, maintaining Boston’s tempo against Brooklyn’s defensive strategy. Al Horford added 13 points and ten rebounds, using his veteran presence to control the paint.
With Jaylen Brown sidelined for a fourth consecutive game due to a hip strain, Boston’s rotation saw additional contributions from its bench.
Pritchard’s consistent play in clutch moments proved critical, as he hit two late free throws to secure the win after Brooklyn failed to convert on a shot-clock violation.
The Celtics struggled from long range, shooting just 14-of-53 from three-point territory, well below their season average.
Brooklyn also had difficulties from deep, making only 10 of 38 attempts, which hindered their offense in critical moments.
Cameron Johnson had 18 points and eight rebounds, while Dorian Finney-Smith added five points, playing a defensive role against Boston’s frontcourt.
Boston’s defense clamped down in crucial moments, holding Brooklyn to only 41% shooting and forcing 12 turnovers. The Celtics closed overtime by controlling the pace, allowing Pritchard and Tatum to seal the game with free throws.
