NEW ORLEANS — With just 0.7 seconds remaining on the clock, Jayson Tatum sunk a crucial jumper, leading the Boston Celtics to a thrilling 118-116 win over the depleted New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night.
Jaylen Brown was a key contributor, finishing the game with 28 points, while Tatum added 27 points, marking a tough fifth consecutive loss for the Pelicans. The team faced additional challenges when Dejounte Murray exited the game in the first quarter due to a lower right leg injury.
Tatum had made a significant impact prior to the fourth quarter, accumulating 22 points. However, he was contained for a stretch in the final period. With just 24 seconds left, after CJ McCollum tied the game, Tatum capitalized when given a chance to shoot, making the decisive basket from the left wing.
Trey Murphy stood out for New Orleans, scoring a season-high 40 points and hitting 8 of 12 from beyond the arc. Jose Alvarado contributed 20 points and McCollum added 17 to the team’s total.
The Celtics shifted gears in the fourth quarter, with Luke Kornet and Kristaps Porzingis jointly scoring 13 of Boston’s initial 17 points of the period, pushing the score to 108-101 in their favor. Porzingis and Derrick White also chipped in, both scoring 16 points.
Key Insights:
For the Celtics, their ball movement proved effective, resulting in 32 assists on 42 successful field goals, alongside four blocks from Porzingis.
Conversely, the Pelicans felt the impact of losing Murray, who had been averaging 17.9 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 7.6 assists before his injury. After suffering a non-contact injury, he was seen being assisted to the locker room. Additionally, Zion Williamson missed the game due to a stomach virus, marking his absence from 36 out of 49 games this season.
Crucial Moment:
As the game drew to a close, McCollum attempted a lengthy hook shot from 35 feet away, but the shot fell short as time expired.
Significant Statistic:
McCollum struggled with his shooting, especially from the three-point line, finishing 1 of 7 and bringing his totals to 7 of 27 from long distance across the last four games.
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 beginning Monday against the Nuggets.
