Jayson Tatum’s career-high leads Celtics to OT win over Timberwolves
The Celtics wrapped up their seven-game homestand with a win Friday night, although it didn’t come without some drama. Down as much as 17 in the second half, Boston came all the way back to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime, 145-136.
Fueling the comeback was Jayson Tatum. The Celtics’ 23-year-old superstar scored a career-high 53 points, becoming the youngest player in franchise history to record a 50-plus point game. Just about everything was clicking for Tatum – he shot 16-of-25 from the field, 6-of-10 from three, and 15-of-16 from the line. He also grabbed 10 rebounds, making him the first Celtic to post 50+ points and 10+ rebounds since Larry Bird in 1989.
Early on, the Celtics had trouble scoring, and started 1-of-9 from three. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves were able to score at will, and closed the quarter on a 20-7 run. After one, it was 39-25 Minnesota.
Tatum scored 10 points in the first four minutes of the second quarter, getting the Celtics back within 10. The teams went back and forth after that, until Kemba Walker stole a pass with under five seconds left in the half, and was fouled. He hit both his free throws, and the Celtics went into the half down 66-57.
Coming out of the half, Tatum continued to carry the Celtics, and this time they were able to chip into the lead. He had 17 in the frame, getting the Celtics within five. Heading into the fourth, the score was 97-92 Timberwolves.
Carrying the momentum, Walker hit a three pointer two minutes into the fourth, finally re-tying the game. From there, the Celtics built and extended a lead, going on a 10-3 run. They got up by as many as 11 points, but couldn’t quite put Minneosta away. D’Angelo Russell hit a three pointer with 10 seconds to go, tying the game again at 124 and ultimately sending it to overtime.
In OT, the Celtics initially fell behind by a point but regained the lead and never looked back. They nearly doubled up the Timberwolves in the five minute frame, 21-12.
Tatum wasn’t the only Celtic to put together an impressive performance on Friday night. Jaylen Brown dropped 26 points on 9-of-15 shooting, Marcus Smart posted 24 points, eight assists, six rebounds, and two steals, and Kemba Walker flirted with a triple double with 17 points, nine assists, and seven boards.
The Celtics have now won four of their last five games, and improves their record to 27-26 on the season. It’s the first time they’ve been above .500 since March 16.
With their seven-game road trip behind them, the Celtics head west on Sunday, for a meeting with the Denver Nuggets. That one tips off at 3:00, with pregame coverage beginning at 2:30 on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].