Jayson Tatum Leads Celtics to Thrilling 120-119 Victory Over Pelicans

In a game that was difficult for the home club but finally led to victory, the Boston Celtics narrowly defeated the visiting New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday afternoon, winning 120-119.

Before this game, the Celtics had an 8-7 record over their last 15 games after a humiliating loss to the Sacramento Kings at home on Friday night. In contrast, the Pelicans have one of the poorest records in the NBA. It would be ideal to defeat a club like New Orleans easily to go back in the win column, but the Pelicans had other ideas. Boston's defense was tested by New Orleans' 46% long-range shooting, which forced the Celts to make plays in the closing minutes.

Let's get right in and recap the Boston victory, 120-119, over the Pelicans.

How to Analyze Jayson Tatum's Game Performance?

How to Analyze Jayson Tatum's Game Performance

The first quarter

From the start, Boston produced a lot of open looks, but they were unable to get anything to fall. The Celtics really failed to make their first six shots of the contest. In the first few minutes of play, Boston's 3-point shooting looked flat once more, going just 1-for-12 from outside the arc. The Celtics only made 13 of their 44 3-point attempts, and this pattern would last the whole evening.

Therefore, despite passing the ball and executing all the proper attacking moves, the Celtics found it difficult to score any points.

There were no such problems for the Pelicans. Dejounte Murray, a former All-Star guard, was particularly focused, scoring 17 of his 26 points in the first quarter. Boston's terrible shooting allowed New Orleans to take a 35-29 lead into the second quarter.

The second quarter

In the second quarter, another well-known issue surfaced. Even when the Celtics' shots began to fall, turnovers remained a major problem for Boston. Boston committed 12 turnovers during the game, which gave the Pelicans 17 points.

The Celtics were able to calm themselves in the second by making a few shots. While New Orleans continued to dominate from outside the arc as they did throughout the game, Boston's defense improved and the Pelicans attempted fewer fast breaks as a result of fewer live rebounds.

The Celtics were still favorites to win the game, leading 62-61 at the half. (This also applied to Friday night's defeat over the Kings.)

The third quarter

The Celtics had a little more offensive vigor in the third session when Jaylen Brown came to life. Brown finished the game with 16 points, 7 assists, and 8 rebounds.

Boston's defense was ineffective, particularly during the transition. As a result, New Orleans scored 22 fastbreak points that evening. The Celtics lost a lot of momentum when they made a string of simple layups, like they did here in the third.

Boston's long-range shooting kept falling short. The Celtics have had one of the worst 3-point shooting records in the NBA since early December, which has contributed significantly to their lackluster play during that period.

Fourth quarter

There was more of the same in the fourth quarter. Boston failed to slow down the Pelicans and missed open shots. For what it's worth, New Orleans has struggled with injuries throughout the season and is better than their record would suggest.

It's possible that Jayson Tatum prevented the Celtics from suffering a humiliating defeat. He concluded the game with 38 points and 11 rebounds, including two huge dunks in the closing minutes. Although he again had trouble from deep, he was crucial to Boston's victory.

Rather, the Celtics raise their season record to 28-11. On Wednesday night, they will travel to play the Toronto Raptors.

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FAQs

How long can the Celtics keep this team together?

This is about when we should anticipate the Celtics suffering their first big defeat. Through the 2025–2026 season, they will be able to rely on their core five. They may even be able to extend it beyond the 2026–2027 season, depending on how the 2024–25 season plays out.

Why are Celtics called Celtics?

The team's mascot, "Lucky the Leprechaun," and the moniker "Celtics" are references to the Original Celtics, a legendary basketball team from the early 20th century, as well as Boston's historically sizable Irish community.

How was Jayson Tatum acquired by the Celtics?

Tatum was voted to the NBA All-Rookie First Team for the 2018 season after being chosen by the Boston Celtics with the third overall choice in the 2017 NBA draft.

What makes Jayson Tatum well-known?

Jayson Tatum, a forward with the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA), was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 3, 1998. Tatum, who was chosen by the organization with the third overall choice in the 2017 NBA draft, is renowned for his offensive prowess.

Where does Jayson Tatum live?

It may surprise you to learn that Jayson Tatum, a four-time NBA All-Star with the Boston Celtics, was born and raised in St. Louis. Discover why he still calls the Gateway City home and loves STL.