The Boston Celtics edged the Toronto Raptors 126-123 in overtime on Saturday, with Jayson Tatum delivering a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer.
Tatum recorded a double-double with 24 points and 11 rebounds to lead Boston to their 11th win of the season.
Jaylen Brown topped the scoring for Boston with 27 points, while Al Horford and Derrick White contributed 18 points each.
The Celtics rebounded from a late-game scare to maintain their strong start to the season.
Toronto’s Jakob Poeltl had a career night, scoring 35 points on an efficient 16-of-19 shooting and grabbing 12 rebounds.
RJ Barrett added 25 points and 10 rebounds, but the Raptors fell to 2-12 after their seventh consecutive loss.
With the game tied at 112 in regulation, Barrett missed a crucial free throw after a made runner in the lane.
Boston capitalized with a driving layup from Neemias Queta to regain the lead, but Toronto forced overtime with clutch play in the final seconds.
The turning point came in the final moments of overtime. After a successful coach’s challenge overturned an out-of-bounds call in Boston’s favor, Barrett had his layup attempt blocked by Queta. The Celtics regained possession with 20.2 seconds left, setting up Tatum’s heroics.
Toronto dominated the paint, outscoring Boston 76-42 in the area. Poeltl’s interior presence was a key factor, but the Raptors struggled from the free-throw line, shooting just 66.7%.
Boston overcame their interior defensive struggles, thanks in part to their bench, which provided 27 points.
Sam Hauser chipped in 14 points, including three three-pointers, while Luke Kornet added four points and six rebounds in limited minutes.
The Raptors entered the game shorthanded, with Scottie Barnes and Bruce Brown sidelined by injuries. Bruno Fernando, who briefly exited in the second quarter with an apparent ankle injury, returned to the game and contributed four points and two rebounds.
Boston, playing without Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, leaned on Tatum and Brown to shoulder the offensive load. Queta, starting in place of Holiday, added 12 points, eight rebounds, and a pivotal block in the closing seconds.
The victory helped Boston avoid a third home loss this season and improved their record to 11-3. For Toronto, the loss continued their road woes, as they remain winless away from Scotiabank Arena.
