Jayson Tatum’s jumper with 0.7 seconds left secured a 118-116 win for the Boston Celtics (34-15) over the New Orleans Pelicans (12-37) on Friday night. The victory extended Boston’s lead atop the Eastern Conference while handing New Orleans its fifth consecutive loss.
Tatum finished with 27 points, including the game-winning shot over CJ McCollum after McCollum had tied the game with 24 seconds remaining. Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 28 points, while Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White contributed 16 apiece.
Trey Murphy delivered a season-high 40 points for the Pelicans, hitting 8 of 12 from beyond the arc. Jose Alvarado provided 20 points off the bench, and McCollum added 17, though he struggled from deep, making just one of his seven attempts.
The Pelicans suffered a setback when Dejounte Murray exited in the first quarter with a non-contact lower right leg injury, which turned out to be a season-ending Achilles tear. New Orleans was also without Zion Williamson, who missed the game due to illness.
Boston built a 108-101 lead early in the fourth quarter behind strong play from Luke Kornet and Porzingis, who combined for 13 points in the period. The Pelicans responded with a late push, capped by McCollum’s tying layup, before Tatum’s decisive shot sealed the win.
The Celtics recorded 32 assists on 42 made field goals, demonstrating their offensive efficiency. Porzingis added four blocks, while Jrue Holiday dished out five assists and anchored Boston’s defense.
New Orleans outrebounded Boston 48-35 and shot 40.5% from three-point range but struggled with turnovers, committing 18 compared to the Celtics’ 13.
McCollum had a chance to force overtime but missed a desperation 35-foot hook shot at the buzzer. His recent struggles from deep continued, as he has shot just 7 of 27 from three over the past four games.
