Tatum's buzzer-beater lifts Celtics to dramatic overtime win over Nets

Jayson Tatum played hero at TD Garden, knocking down a mid-range jumper as the overtime buzzer sounded to seal a dramatic 125-124 victory for the Boston Celtics over the Brooklyn Nets. The forward capped off a memorable night with a 40-point display, guiding Boston to their third consecutive win.

In 15 minutes of action, Neemias Queta contributed seven points, three rebounds, and two assists.

The decisive play unfolded with just 2.3 seconds remaining on the overtime clock. After receiving an inbound pass from Derrick White along the sideline, Tatum drove inside and, despite tight contest from Josh Minott, pulled up from roughly 16 feet to drill the game-winner as time expired. The Boston star finished shooting 10-of-20 from the field, 18-of-22 from the free-throw line, while adding five rebounds and eight assists. It marked Tatum's first 40-point performance since May 12, 2025, the night he suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon against the Knicks.

The contest was fiercely balanced throughout, with neither side ever leading by more than eight points. Brooklyn led 109-104 with 2:57 remaining in regulation following a Julius Randle basket, but the Celtics mounted a late charge. With 33.7 seconds left, Tatum found White for an and-one dunk, completing the three-point play to put Boston up 114-111. Mitchell Robinson then missed two free throws with three seconds remaining—Robinson shot just 1-of-4 on the night and is 2-of-8 on the season—leaving the door open for Brooklyn. Rookie Mikel Brown Jr., the sixth overall pick out of Louisville, sank a clutch, difficult three-pointer with 0.2 seconds left to force overtime.

In the extra session, after Mikel Brown Jr. missed a driving layup with 2.3 seconds on the clock, Tatum stepped up to ice the game. For the Celtics, who have not looked back since squandering a 22-point lead on opening night in Detroit, Paul George chipped in with 20 points and Derrick White added 16.

For the still-winless Nets (0-4), Michael Porter Jr. posted a double-double with 27 points and 12 rebounds, Julius Randle added 24 points, and rookie Mikel Brown Jr. finished with 17 points (4-of-11 from beyond the arc).

(Updating)